Anyone who has been hiking the White Mountains of New England since the 1970s, is likely to have kept their orange hardcover AMC "White Mounain Guide," like a family heirloom. Since its inception, the Guide has provided detailed, largely editorial-free, descriptions of all the many trails of the white mountains. For novice hikers, it is absoulutely indispensable for its advice on practical hiking pleasures and perils - it should not leave the pack. For experienced hikers, the Guide provides all information needed to plan White Mountain excursions ranging from half-day beginner hikes to multi-day backpacks. The trail descriptions should be viewed as overviews, not all-telling. At times, a trail seemingly modest from the book description, will be rocky and arduously steep. Other times, an innocuous-sounding trial will provide breathtaking views. Some curse this as a short-coming, while others, this reviewer included, appreciate the fact that reading the book does not diminish the surprises of the trail. The directions to the trailheads are remarkably accurate, as are the essential descriptions of major trail junctions, as well as trails and peaks on which extra care should be taken. The maps, while not minute topographical maps, are extremely useful, more so with compass skills, but quite practical even without them. The organization is improved over the 26th version - especially the recommended easy and moderate hikes at the end of each mountain region's trail descriptions. Worthwhile to complete one's White Mountain hiking library, are the AMC Southern New Hampshire Trail Guide and AMC Maine Mountain Guide.

Rarely do I find a review book of any kind who's opinions aren't rehashed brochures or you feel like the reviewer was paid off. Everything is always stunning, spectacular and amazing!

"America's Favorite Inns, B&Bs, & Small Hotels" series of review books have never let me down in giving honest and informative advice. They solicite real reviews from thier readers and have no hesitation in including "bad comments".

I've stayed at numerous inns and small hotels listed in this book over the years and each have been truly remarkable. From the Manor House (now under new ownership) in Cape May with their delightful cookie fairy and inn keepers who went above and beyond the call of duty, to a tiny (by today's standards) hotel in Norfolk that had charm I thought was lost. Our supper comfy room had a view of the water and overlooked a small jazz club that we got to listen to if we left our windows open.

I've bought each edition as it's come out. I sit down and read it from beginning to end, marking all those that sound interesting and worth a visit. I can't wait for another "discovery".

Appalachian Summer is the third of Marcia Bonta's season chronicles of the natural life that populates the mountain in central Pennsylvania that she and her family call home. As with all her books, Appalachian Summer is a bounty of historical and scientific facts about nature. The first in her seasonal series, Appalachian Spring, duly reports the natural life unfolding from winter. In the second, Appalachian Fall, her daily journal also picks up a sinister subplot as an unethical lumberer threatens the mountain and local wildlife. In this new volume, the Bontas have taken back the land ravaged from timbering and the natural observations haromonize with more personal notes about family events. An appreciation of the fragility of life shadows the family's happiness though when the search for a missing child and her abductor moves onto their land. Bonta never forgets, however, that her mission in sharing her journal is to bring the reader up close to the wonders of nature and this she does in clear prose that tinkles with the exotic names of the plant and animal life that share our planet but are infrequently observed or respected. I regret there is only one season left for her to profile. When I read Bonta's books, I not only learn more about nature, I learn more about humankind.

If the reader is really serious about hiking the A.T., specifically the N.Y. /N.J. section, this book, along with the 6 very detailed maps that come with it, will be a tremendous help, with all the relevant information all packed into a (large)pocket-sized paperback.
In addition to very interesting facts behind the history and the beginnings of the AT, the information found in this book will guide you, almost hold your hand along the trail and, it will then be up to you to listen to the wisdom, advice and warnings found here or, ignore them and find out -the hard way- why only 10% of the people who attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail will finish it in a year.
Where can you find water?; where are you not allowed to camp?; is it safe to hike alone?;can you take your dog with you? (NO!). Statistically speaking, did you know that you will be safer hiking the entire A.T., than walking the streets of most large american cities?
These and many other topics, too numerous to mention here, are dealt with in this volume.
Having all of that information ahead of time will make it (just a little) easier to put on your backpack, lug your 3 liters of water needed daily, consume the 4000 calories of food needed every day and.....in about 6 months time you will have arrived at your destination, very tired, much thinner and, much wiser.

The definitive guide to the AT that you can buy. Extremely detailed directions. Great waterproof maps with side trails and elevations. If you get lost using this guide, you're just plain stupid.

I found the book very informative. I was able to view the city as a true treasure of historical value,and not a city just known for zippo lighters. I found that history is still in the making in bradford,pa by people wanting to preserve this city. i thank you for your time.knightwolf

Fishkill is the best town in the whole wide world. I love it! :)

This book is a must for anyone who wants to know more about the "art" world, but doesn't know where to start. It has simple descriptions of all the main galleries in New York. So far I've only visited a few, but I'd have to say the author's descriptions were dead on. And it's pocket sized!

Spanish translation of a lovely little picture book which tells a story about Renoir - represented by a toy bear. The pictures are beautiful for children - very bright and interesting, each done in the style of Renoir (Mr Bear is in each picture). The translation seems to be well done.

It's a very nice story for young children who like bears, but not very much information about Renoir. Most useful as a story book or to give children a taste of "art."

This book is full with interesting facts, tidbits and general information regarding New Jersey's many highways and backroads that make up this great state. DiIonno did a great job putting this book together and I recommend anyone interested in the history and many tidbits about New Jersey to buy this book!