Lonely Planet

Library Bookwatch, March, 2005

Lonely Planet

150 Linden St., Oakland, CA 94607

www.lonelyplanet.com

Lonely Planet's weighty guidebooks are packed chock full of details for take-along totes; but that doesn't mean they're limited to destination-bound travelers getting on the plane. There's plenty to invite the armchair traveler making plans: take David Monagan's Jaywalking With The Irish (1740595971, $14.99), for example: no world traveler himself, Monagan is a middle-aged American father who has long dreamed of relocating from the USA to Ireland, land of his fathers. His funny Jaywalking With The Irish describes his family's encounters in Ireland, the cultural shocks which greeted them, and their many discoveries. A fun leisure read for any with an affection for Ireland and its peoples. Heading to nearby France? Don't forget to pack Nicola Williams, et. al.'s France (1740599233, $24.99): almost a thousand pages tells how to find one's way in town or city, how to understand underlying history and culture in regional France, and where to eat and sleep. An affectionate view of both byways and popular places. Brazil by Regis St. Louis, et. al. (1741040213, $26.99) pairs tailored itineraries with highlights and practical travel details, offering an expanded Carnaval chapter, plenty of background history and local color, and the usual travel tips for eating and sleeping. Ditto New Zealand by Paul Smitz, et.al. (1740597664, $24.99): plenty of maps, articles by specialists, a cultural review and tips on getting around New Zealand make for the perfect take-along tote, with over 700 pages packed with detail.