About six months prior to my husband's and my trip to Vermont, I purchased Tree & Jennison's book and poured over its contents, intrigued by all that the New England state could offer these Texans. Because the authors had taken the time to visit the various locations noted in the book, I had no worries about the trip. Once in Vermont, I used the book as a bible, knowing what to expect in each village. I met many of the people that they had mentioned, and each had glowing remarks about them. Without this book, my vacation would not have been as organized or enjoyable, and we even went during Mud Season! I recommend this book wholeheartedly because the information is well researched.

This book captures, for me, something close to the heart of Vermont--it's clean, simple, direct, truthful, and deeply entertaining. I have done a lot of travelling in the state over the last 18 months, and found the Explorer's Guide reflects with accuracy and cultural compassion the experience of living and wandering here. Some people will buy it for the inn and the restaurant listings, but its real strength is in its quiet delineation of the regions and their differences. If I were allowed another star, I would use it.

We did not know much about Vermont but the book got us on our way quickly. The different sections are clear and get straight to the point.Wide variety of things to do, places to stay, eat and shop. A very satisfying purchase.

What Naxos has done here is put together an anthology of Christmas poetry, musings and other Christmas fair to serve up a delightful listen. Starting with an ancient Christmas carol and even a recipe circa 1300 the listener is treated to poetry, thoughts and reflections from various authors on what Christmas is, and is not about. I have to admit it took me a while to get into this recording but once I did I found myself touched by the Christmas spirit. Indeed I actually bought this last year and saved it for this year's holiday season to listen to. Among the poetry and observations, there are also a few short stories, and evena play. As well interspersed throughout the readings are Christmas carols and classical Christmas music. Its a fine collection although its mostly for adults. In adition one truly must be a lover of English literature to fully appreciate this anthology; the overall theme of this after all has to do with Christmas time in the 19th and early 20th centuries. I would highly recommended if one enjoys works and authors from these time periods. Its great to listen to with a cup of cocoa, or exotic coffee. This book contains 2 CDs and is read by a variety of readers. merry Christmas.

The Nasser D. Khalili Collection contains some 2000 items of pottery, representing a millenium of ceramic production across the Islamic world. The catalogue of these holdings is to be published in two volumes. The first concentrates on the beauty of the work of the early Muslim potters, of which the Collection holds many attractive examples. The Collection is particularly rich in Saljuq lustrewares of the 12th and 13th centuries AD, and in the pottery of the Timurid period. Illustrations of all major types of early Islamic pottery are presented with brief introductory essays on each category, detailed discussions of individual objects, and a scholarly apparatus providing references to comparative pieces and to further reading.