History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels 2007 (Rick Steves)

Average customer rating:

Great advice on what to see and do
The best way to see Amsterdam, Bruge and Brussels
Good book for reference
great book- but get something extra for Brussels
Perfect resource!

Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels 2007 (Rick Steves)
Rick Steves , and Gene Openshaw
Manufacturer: Avalon Travel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1566918057

Book Description

Who but Rick Steves can tell travelers the best ways to meander around Amsterdam's Van Gogh museum, explore its maze of canals, and find the tastiest breweries and restaurants. With Rick Steves’ Amsterdam 2007, travelers can experience everything Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels have to offer — economically and hassle-free.

Completely revised and updated, this guide includes:
• Opinionated coverage of both famous and lesser-known sights
• Friendly places to eat and sleep
• Suggested day plans
• Walking tours and trip itineraries
• Clear instructions for smooth travel anywhere by car, train, or foot

America’s number one authority on travel to Europe, Rick’s time-tested recommendations for safe and enjoyable travel in Europe have been used by millions of Americans in search of their own unique European travel experience.

Customer Reviews:

Great advice on what to see and do.......2007-08-13

Rick Steves always give good direction and advice when you are visiting a new country.

The best way to see Amsterdam, Bruge and Brussels.......2007-08-02

Rick Steves is my new travel guru. He was correct on everything he wrote about. After this trip I have complete trust in his observations and suggestions.

Good book for reference.......2007-06-07

Good book for inside tips. More Hotels shoud be listed. Coupons in the back for tear off ( book is heavy to take around)

great book- but get something extra for Brussels.......2007-06-06

Rick Steve knows all- I am one of his many, many followers. i think his walks are great, and he gives really practical info as well as providing personal commentary that allows you to judge what sights are actually important to see.

However, If you are going to be in Brussels for more than three hours, get another book. It sort of comes across that Rick doesn't like Brussels, and tells you very little about what to do outside of eating in the Grand Place (the cities main tourist square) and indifferent (or downright hostile) descriptions of the attractions. AND the restaurant in the grand place he suggests stinks. worst meal i had in all of Europe. If I had realized rick's preferences ahead of time, I would have gotten another book.

happy travels!

Perfect resource!.......2007-05-21

We went to all 3 of these places with just this book. Great suggestions, guides, helpful hints. We had already booked hotels, so didn't use his hotel suggestions. If you're going (especially to Amsterdam) BUY THIS BOOK!

Average customer rating:

Ok I guess
Compact and helpful
Eyewitness Guides
This is a great travel Book!

Amsterdam (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK Travel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

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ASIN: 075662441X

Customer Reviews:

Ok I guess.......2007-08-19

Although Eyewitness Travel Guides may offer more visual guidance than other guide books, they are still quite terrible. Maps are difficult to read and information is inconsistent.

Compact and helpful.......2007-08-16

This book offers worthwhile information to a range of different readers. The first pages, "Four great days," offer itineraries for art lovers, shopping fans, history buffs, or families with kids to please. I don't think anyone will stop there, but I imagine many readers starting with those day-trips and filling in the edges.

The rest of the book presents the city in lush photography, legible maps, and clearly organized descriptions. The part of the book (about two thirds) divides Amsterdam into seven geographical districts. For each, the reader gets a bit of history and general layout, followed by detailed descriptions of many attractions. The remainder of the book talks about out-of-town points of interest and general information about food, culture, and other helpful travel information.

I'm going to Amsterdam soon on business, and have just a little time to enjoy this amazing city. This guide has been very helpful in planning those scraps of free time. Maybe this book won't meet every traveler's needs, but it meets mine.

-- wiredweird

Eyewitness Guides.......2007-06-15

Eyewitness produces terrific City Guides. We used them in London and Paris last year and will 'test drive' the Amsterdam Guide next week.
They are very comprehensive and user friendly at the same time.

This is a great travel Book!.......2007-05-25

I Love the Eyewitness Travel Guides. They give you beautiful pictures, & lots of information. I usually buy one for each European City I travel to.

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Amsterdam
Great Resource
Get a more recent edition
Reliable and Informative Travel Guide
Good list of cheap eateries

Lonely Planet Amsterdam
Andrew Bender
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 174059908X

Book Description

Marvel at the Dutch Masters and take a step back in time in an elegant merchant's house. Join the late-night revellers in the Red Light District or cosy-up canalside in a `brown cafe'. Get the low-down on Queen's Day and see the Royal Orchestra at the Concertgebouw. Elegant, history-steeped port; liberal, laid-back party town. Connect with your Amsterdam using this stylish and streetwise guide.

COMPREHENSIVE LISTINGS - more than 250 reviews of the best restaurants, cafes, coffeeshops and clubs in town

EXPANDED ARCHITECTURE CHAPTER - get gable-gazing with our chapter dedicated to this remarkable city's characterful buildings

BE INFORMED - in-depth analysis of current events gets you under the skin of the city

EXPLORE THE CITY YOUR WAY - tailor-made cycling and walking tours and recommended canal cruises

Customer Reviews:

Lonely Planet Amsterdam.......2007-07-05

A bit disappointed in the useablility of the book. I've used many Lonely Planet books before, and generally like them. The layout of the book leaves a bit to be desired. The descriptions of attractions and restaurants are pretty good, but where the book falls down is that then you need to look up the map the attraction is on (at the back of the book), then look in the index of the map (behind the map), and then back to the map to find the attraction/restaurant.

It would have been much better if they put those references beside the descriptions as well as the index of the map.

In addition, being in the Netherlands, Windmills are nice attraction, and the book said that we had to go on an excursion to near by towns to find Windmills. The book did not mention that there are 8 Windmills within Amsterdam itself. Granted, the ones outside Amsterdam are probably nicer, but if there is limited time in a city, knowing there were some in the city limits would have helped.

Overall, the book is decent with descriptions and local information, (hence 3 starts), but can be greatly improved.

I wouldn't recommend this book because of some of these errors, but more importantly, like another reviewer said, most Museums are being renovated, or are totally closed until 2009. And if you are going to wait till 2009 to visit Amsterdam, I'd buy a more current book anyways.

Great Resource.......2007-03-12

Recently I have had the lucky opportunity to go to Amsterdam several times. This book has been invaluable. While you need to double check the operating times for some sites ( you do with any book as there is a lag time between publishing and the gathering of info) the descriptions of places are engaging, accurate and most importantly informs me well as to where I should spend my time. Bender is very good at his restaurant descriptions and his take on all things cultural and historic. A real blessing. I have looked - and bought several others but this is the only one I carry around while I am in Amsterdam.

Get a more recent edition.......2006-09-10

Lonely Planet has a 2006 edition for Amsterdam--which you need (or one more recent) because so many museums are closed (apparently until 2008/09) and there is much construction going on in the city.

Reliable and Informative Travel Guide.......2006-08-15

Over the past two years, I've purchased and used five Lonely Planet guides, and this one ranks among the top. Andrew Bender provides humorous yet accurate information on the culture and norms of Amsterdam as well as key surrounding areas (Den Haag, Haarlem, etc.) Day after day during our week-long trip, we turned to his guide for advice and weren't disappointed. Highly recommended.

Good list of cheap eateries.......2004-05-15

The value in "Lonely Planet Amsterdam" is in the thumbnail sketches of cafes and reasonably-priced restaurants. The descriptions of the establishments that I am familiar with were right on the money. They are grouped by neighborhood and have basic information, such as opening hours. I was disappointed that Indonesian restaurants were short-changed, because they "aren't authentically Asian." True, but an Indonesian rijstafel shared between half a dozen or more people is not too expensive and is an authentically Dutch form of entertainment. The biggest problem with the book is that it doesn't open flat. You need both hands to force it open wide enough to read comfortably and then it's hard to flip through the pages. And you will do a lot of flipping, because there's no good index to help you find things.

There are about half a dozen pages of photographs of the Amsterdam area, unnaturally sunny and uncrowded. Amsterdam is one of Europe's most interesting and picturesque cities, but nobody goes there for the weather, and the crowds of pedestrians and bicycles are part of the charm. The description of Dutch culture was spot on. Amsterdammers in particular are very broad-minded-one of the reasons that Amsterdam is a favorite vacation spot for gays and lesbians--but they're not part of the have-a-nice-day crowd. Expect them to be polite and helpful, rather than effusive.

I have half a dozen guides to Amsterdam and find that no one of them covers all aspects of a visit. "Lonely Planet Amsterdam" is most useful as a way of finding somewhere quick to eat when you're out sight-seeing.

Average customer rating:

Disappointing for Lonely Planet

Lonely Planet the Netherlands (Lonely Planet Netherlands)
Neal Bedford
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Belgium & Luxembourg

Lonely Planet Amsterdam

Lonely Planet Germany

Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels 2007 (Rick Steves)

Michelin Netherlands (Michelin Map)

ASIN: 1741042992

Book Description

Knock back a frothy beer and discover the unique ambience of Dutch gezeligheid in an Amsterdam brown cafe, p. 34. Wake up early to witness a bidding war for rare tulips at the world's largest flower auction, p. 171. Hear the sludge squelch on an invigorating wadlopen walk across mudflats, p. 251. Get spooked in the total darkness of the Sint Pietersberg tunnels, p. 281. Two expert authors, over 1000 hours of on-the-ground research and 89 maps. Special cycling chapter gives you a push start with recommended routes on the Netherlands' 20,000km of bike paths. Impress your Dutch friends with insights from our dedicated environment, culture, and history chapters. Visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews, updates, and traveller suggestions.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing for Lonely Planet.......2007-07-16

I traveled all over the world for two years, using mostly Lonely Planet books. That was about 11 years ago. Back then I found Lonely Planet books to be very well written - especially the ones for Asia. This was my second time in the Netherlands, and this book missed a lot -- hardly any mention of Zeeland (beach country in the South); disappointing coverage of small towns. I can't comment on the Amsterdam coverage because we skipped that town.

Corps Commanders of the Bulge: Six American Generals and Victory in the Ardennes (Modern War Studies)

Average customer rating:

Narrow View at the Top
Very different way of looking at the battle
The American victory in the Ardennes from a different perspective

Corps Commanders of the Bulge: Six American Generals and Victory in the Ardennes (Modern War Studies)
Harold R. Winton
Manufacturer: University Press of Kansas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0700615083

Book Description

If the Battle of the Bulge was Germany's last gasp, it was also America's proving ground-the largest single action fought by the U.S. Army in World War II. Taking a new approach to an old story, Harold Winton widens our field of vision by showing how victory in this legendary campaign was built upon the remarkable resurrection of our truncated interwar army, an overhaul that produced the effective commanders crucial to GI success in beating back the Ardennes counteroffensive launched by Hitler's forces.

Winton's is the first study of the Bulge to examine leadership at the largely neglected level of corps command. Focusing on the decisions and actions of six Army corps commanders-Leonard Gerow, Troy Middleton, Matthew Ridgway, John Millikin, Manton Eddy, and J. Lawton Collins-he recreates their role in this epic struggle through a mosaic of narratives that take the commanders from the pre-war training grounds of America to the crucible of war in the icy-cold killing fields of Belgium and Luxembourg.

Winton introduces the story of each phase of the Bulge with a theater-level overview of the major decisions and events that shaped the corps battles and, for the first time, fully integrates the crucial role of airpower into our understanding of how events unfolded on the ground. Unlike most accounts of the Ardennes that chronicle only the periods of German and American initiative, Winton's study describes an intervening middle phase in which the initiative was fiercely contested by both sides and the outcome uncertain. His inclusion of the principal American and German commanders adds yet another valuable layer to this rich tapestry of narrative and analysis.

Ultimately, Winton argues that the flexibility of the corps structure and the competence of the men who commanded the six American corps that fought in the Bulge contributed significantly to the ultimate victory. Chronicling the human drama of commanding large numbers of soldiers in battle, he has produced an artful blend of combat narrative, collective biography, and institutional history that contributes significantly to the broader understanding of World War II as a whole.

This book is part of the Modern War Studies series.

Customer Reviews:

Narrow View at the Top.......2007-07-11

The book is well written and informative. Even for a veteran reader of WWII books there was much new material, or at least material presented in a different way. However, the basic premise of the book is somewhat flawed. At the early stages of the battle of the Bulge it was a series of small and very brave actions that made the difference in slowing down the Germans. Even later, the Corps Commanders, including those for whom the author has great respect, merely backed up decisions made by subordinates. Indeed the battle, whether in the north with the stand at the Elsenborn Ridge or in south with the releif of Bastogne, would have taken place regardless of who was the respective Corps Commander. Additionally, while the author's description of the education of his players is quite laudatory, some might find their higher command education as insular. A warning, this book is not for someone who has not read extinsively about WWII.

Very different way of looking at the battle.......2007-04-30

I agree with the first reviewer that this is one of the most refreshingly new ways at looking at a very studied battle. I have read many of the general histories (A Time for Trumpets by McDonald is my favorite). Looking at the men who commanded the six corps that bore the brunt of the battle, examining their history and education, explaining the corps system and it's reason for being where all very educational and interesting. Dr. Winston did a great job of explaining what each of these men were up against, the resources at their disposal, and how they executed their missions, be it defence or offense, carefully planned, or on the fly. Dr. Winston broke the Bulge battle up into three phases, explained what each corp commander faced in each phase and assessed each commander's performance for each phase and then did an overall assessment in the epilogue. He also tried to measure the effect of Allied air power in the battle, from direct support (ground attack, air superiority and air resupply) and indirect support (interdiction missions against communication and supplies).
My only peeve with this book is the sloppy editing/proofreading concerning the identification of German combat units. If the reader was not familiar with the battle, he/she could find it confusing. Some Wehrmacht units were identified as Waffen SS and vice versa, the 9th Panzer Division was also identified as the 9th Panzergrenadier (which never existed). These errors were not systematic, which points to proof reading/editing. Doctor Winston has an excellent grasp of the Allied order of battle. There are numerous sources of the German order of battle easily available to the author, his editors and his publisher. So I found this factor annoying (I find sloppy proof reading/ fact checking in anything I read annoying) and considering Dr. Winston's background and intense interest in the Ardennes battle, disappointing.
But besides that slight annoyance, I found this book an excellent read and would recommend it to anyone interested in this particular battle or wanting to know how the corps system functions.

The American victory in the Ardennes from a different perspective.......2007-04-21

Just when you thought that there couldn't be another useful book on the Battle of the Bulge, Professor Harold Winton proves us wrong with this fine portrait of the battle that focuses on the way it was commanded by the six American corps commanders who were involved: Gerow, Middleton, Ridgeway, Milikin, Eddy and Collins. This emphasis on what Winton calls "the middle level of command" allows us to see the battle as it developed operationally and provides the reader with perhaps the clearest and most understandable narrative of the Battle of the Bulge ever written. Winton helpfully divides the history of the battle into three phases and covers the activities and decisions of the officers in each phase: their relationships with their superiors and subordinates, what tactical demands the battle placed on them, and even how they held up physically and psychologically. Since the book also includes brief biographies of those officers, Winton is able to evaluate the effectiveness of how the US Army educated its officers for higher command between the World Wars - all six were CGSS and five of them were War College grads. Winton also takes the time to show the true role of allied air power in the battle. All in all, this book is a must-read for those who study the Battle of the Ardennes and the US Army in the Second World War.

One small sour note: either Dr. Winton or his editors at University Press of Kansas - a military history publisher of note - should have been aware that Marlborough was not at Waterloo (see p.160).

Joe Pauker's Get Lost! the Cool Guide to Amsterdam (Get Lost)

Average customer rating:

Amusing Guide to an Amusing City
a book and a mission
Way overrated!
EXACTLY what I was looking for!
Awesome!Awesome!Awesome!

Joe Pauker's Get Lost! the Cool Guide to Amsterdam (Get Lost)
Joe Pauker
Manufacturer: Get Lost Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 9076499055

Amazon.com

Joe Pauker, who refers to himself as "a goof," has compiled what is perhaps the funniest, most original guide available to the city of Amsterdam. Get Lost! The Cool Guide to Amsterdam, which is clearly not aimed at mainstream travelers, will take you to the places that standard guidebooks don't bother to cover (at least not in any detail): sex shows, hemp and 'shroom shops, and places where you can get free samples of cheese when you're too low on cash to buy food. Pauker's not shy about sharing his opinions, either. On taxis: "They're expensive, and they treat cyclists like shit, but if you really need one ... [they're] very comfortable." On banks and developers who would evict squatters: they're "conservative pigs who care more about money than people." And on cannabis: "nederwiet (Dutch grown weed, such as Northern Lights) is spectacular."

Off-the-wall humor and opinions aside, you get the feeling that Pauker really knows Amsterdam and wouldn't give you bum advice. Hotels and hostels (including the comfortable couches at Schiphol Airport), restaurants, attractions, and shopping are all covered in some detail, and obvious care was taken in selecting those establishments hip enough (and cheap enough) to make it into the book. If you're the kind of traveler who might need the Dutch translation of "stoned as a shrimp," or if you simply appreciate a fresh perspective and directions away from the trampled path, let Pauker be your guide to the "coolest, most happening city in Europe."

Book Description

Joe Pauker is back! This 10th edition of his Cool Guide sizzles with new and exciting things to do in Amsterdam. Opinionated, but never irreverent, Get Lost! remains the only guide to cover Amsterdam's underground culture accurately and extensively, leading travellers to the cheapest, funkiest and most delicious spots in town: inexpensive organic restaurants, the coolest bars and clubs, an incredible array of alternative museums, mind-expanding cafes, one-of-a-kind shops, and, of course, the kinkiest corners of the Red Light District. Readers trust The Cool Guide for practical information, and for the lowdown on more obscure topics such as local pirate radio, and the squat scene. As always, it's printed on eco-friendly recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. With Joe Pauker's legendary guide, every traveler has a cool friend in Amsterdam.

Customer Reviews:

Amusing Guide to an Amusing City.......2007-07-31

This book is a great guide to Amsterdam! We've been twice, and took an older version the first time. We bought the updated version for our trip there in July, 2007. This book is written with a sense of humor that is refreshing when you're on vacation. There are tons of different sections that list everything from where to buy groceries, do laundry, and rent a room to some of the seedier things that Amsterdam has to offer. We didn't get another guide book, and didn't feel we needed one. This is a great reference that gives you everything you need to have a great time in a great city!

a book and a mission.......2007-07-16

I ordered three books on a recent last-minute adventure to the Netherlands. Get Lost was the only one to arrive on time and so, dilignetly, I ventured onto my 8-hour flight and arrived the next morning in Amsterdam. Get Lost was perfect, the secret places, the extra ideas, the places I would not have found on a regular map. It was all I needed to get around the Cenre of town, fully recommended!

Way overrated!.......2007-07-14

I was really excited to use this book in Amsterdam, and I must say, I was definitely disappointed with it. It wasn't very detailed on the more traditional items, and we didn't even enjoy a couple of the coffeehouse selections.

Though I do agree with the reviewer who said that this book is great for vegetarians. My friend and I both eat meat, but the food suggestions were really wonderful. And the Maoz, a falafel chain, in the Albert Cuyp Market is incredible! Best value on our trip!

But overall, I'd stick with one of the more traditional books and only purchase this as a secondary guide.

EXACTLY what I was looking for!.......2007-07-09

I am planning a trip to Amsterdam in November, and I wanted to get a book that gives me a fresh, honest opinion -- as opposed to one that was paid for by the merchants -- on the "fun things to do and see" in Amsterdam while I am there.

I found this book refreshingly candid, with a wealth of information that every traveller should know before and during their travels. I am actually using the book to plan out my itinerary; it reads more like a friend's cool travel journal than a boring old travel book.

A must-have book for anyone who wants the "down and dirty" info on Amsterdam.

Awesome!Awesome!Awesome!.......2007-04-11

This little book is amazing...it tells you where to go, the street that it is on, a telephone number, a web-site so that you can check it out for yourself and a brief description of whatever it is that he is talking about (ie: Restaurant, coffee shop, bar, hotel, etc...)Very helpful and informative. I am defiantly using this book when I got to Amsterdam this fall! Worth every penny.

Average customer rating:

TO be used for background info....
Holland Travel Guide
holland eye-witness
Great resource for travelers
Best travel guide around

Holland (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

Manufacturer: DK Travel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

Netherlands | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0789493055

Book Description

The first fully illustrated guide to the entire Netherlands, Eyewitness Travel Guides: Holland includes an 8-page pullout on he canals of Amsterdam, illustrations of Anne Frank's House, coverage of the major museums, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

TO be used for background info...........2007-09-10

Eyewitness Guides are a fabulous introduction to the country you are visiting...history, art, culture, food, shopping, architecture, natural wonders, crafts etc - they are BEAUTIFULLY and COPIOUSLY illustrated BUT they should not be used as a guide for recommendations on hotels, restuarants & sites to see. They do contain this information, but the main utility in these great books is for you to get the flavor of the country, and they do a great job. I highly recommend the entire series and a starting point for every journey.

Holland Travel Guide.......2007-07-05

As with other DK travel guides I have, this one is an invaluable resource. Unlike other travel guides I've seen (and have), DK travel guides are bright, colorful, durable, loaded with photos, and VERY to read and navigate through. Although they do make a dedicated Amsterdam Guide, this guide has nearly 100 pages specifically covering Amsterdam and would be more adequate for all but the longest stays. An incredibly well done guide - I would be hard pressed to come up with any complaint or even a suggestion for improvement...

holland eye-witness.......2006-11-14

Not a great book. A nice pictorial, but for vacation planning I did not find this one very useful.

Great resource for travelers.......2005-10-01

We used an Eyewitness guide for our trip to London years ago and found it the most helpful of all the guidebooks we had purchsed. The real photos and accurate information made our first trip to Europe go very smoothly. As we plan our second trip, we have not been disappointed by the Amsterdam Eyewitness guide. Again, the striking photographs, maps, and well-organized information makes planning a trip a breeze. Our kids enjoy seeing the places we will visit.

Best travel guide around.......2005-09-13

I've used some of the Eyewitness Travel Guides on a trip around Europe, they were so useful that when I came home I've bought some more. They are more than travel guides, they are also a souvenir. I totally recommend them. Great pictures, great 3D street maps with suggested routes, great explanations.

Average customer rating:

A Great City Guide
Time Out Tokyo
Great Tokyo Guide
Well organized guide lacking decent map
Very Useful, But Could be Much Better!

Time Out Guide to Tokyo, 4th Edition
Time Out
Manufacturer: Time Out
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1904978371

Book Description

Time Out Tokyo leads travelers through the marvels and mysteries of the world's most undiscovered capital. From futuristic skyscrapers to ancient temples, sex clubs to sushi bars, it's all here. Learn how to navigate the city with no street names and make the most of the numerous shopping options, from must-have souvenirs to electronics bargains. Also included are etiquette do's and don'ts, a menu-reading guide, and listings of gay- and lesbian-friendly spots. Readers can explore sights beyond Tokyo, including Japan's second city, Yokohama, the hot springs of Hakone, and the slopes of Mount Fuji.

Customer Reviews:

A Great City Guide.......2007-07-12

Time Out has done it again. This is a great city guide, full of useful information. Easy to follow and
a joy to look at. We are looking forward to taking it with us to Japan. I must say that everything
that Time Out does is excellent, and I thoroughly recommend their publications to everyone.

Time Out Tokyo.......2007-05-07

If you are looking for a very comprehensive guidebook on Tokyo, you won't get anything better than Time Out Tokyo. The Time Out guidebooks are almost always very complete with a wide range of activities, restaurant, and recommendations. There is also cultural information in there to help you get a little more acquainted with the cultural differences of the country you are visiting. No matter wat your purpose is for the trip, Time Out Tokyo is definitely a good buy.

Great Tokyo Guide.......2007-05-01

Just got back from a trip to Tokyo and this book was great. I bought the Rough Guide to Japan as well as this book, and I was glad to have this book while in Tokyo. It provided tons of info and lots and lots of pictures...I like to have pictures when I travel, it helps me make quick decisions about what I want to see and when.

Well organized guide lacking decent map.......2007-02-28

I was on a business trip for the first time to Tokyo and stayed over the weekend to do some sightseeing. Since I only had limited time I found the "Don't Miss Sights" section very useful, did most of what the guide had recommended and was very satisfy with their recommendations.

I found the guide in general very informative on what to do, but don't rely on it to get you there. The major attractions are fairly easy to find but if you are looking for a specific restaurant, bar, club, etc., the map doesn't provide you with enough street detail and the addresses are only in English. My recommendation is to get a map in both Japanese and English to get you around.

Train and Subway are the best way to get around, but the stations can be quite overwhelming. Again, the guide only provides station maps in English. You can purchase a pre-paid card in 1000yen, 5000yen and 10000yen for travel on the subway lines so you don't have to try to figure out how much to pay for each trip (most are between 160yen to 190yen). For JR lines, you will also need to purchase a separate pre-paid card at the station ticket offices. I heard from locals that there will be a common pay-as-you-go card (like Suica) you can purchase for both JR and subway by summer 2007.

I ignored the sarcastic comments from the author since I did not buy the guide to get insight on Japanese culture. But it does make for some interesting reading on the subway/train.

Very Useful, But Could be Much Better!.......2006-08-18

I did a fair amount of research before deciding to purchase this particular guidebook for my week-long trip to Tokyo. I read much of it on the plane ride over, which is when began to see some of its weaknesses. The book could have stood better editing, for one thing. On p. 11, for instance, a passage reads, "Emperors became largely figureheads, manipulated by a series of powerful regents from the dominant Fujiwara family. The invention of the kana syllabary, " etc., and then immediately following "The emperors were largely figureheads, manipulated..."!

The writing, in general, though, is engaging, even if it very much underplays the intrinsic interest of so many sites in Tokyo. As an example, at the Meiji Shrine, "the treasure house...isn't that interesting." About the Meiji Jingu Gyoen garden at the same shrine, "It's neither large nor especially beautiful...." Now that might be just the frank information that a tourist wants, except that it seems to be the general attitude the book holds towards so many sites that I thought were more interesting than my "guide" suggested. I felt that I was traveling with a cranky aunt.

Also, as another reviewer suggested, directions to attractions from subway stops are not always very helpful. Try, for instance, to find the Godzilla statue on the sole basis of the directions the guidebook gives. At least in that case, its lack of clarity gave me an opportunity for an amusing interaction with a shop clerk.

For my part, I didn't like having to flip back and forth from the sections on sightseeing to the separate sections addressing food and lodging. When I am touring around, I like to be able to relate the locations of the good restaurants to the places I am visiting. This isn't easily done with this guidebook.

My criticisms aside, I took this relatively slim volume everywhere with me. The maps aren't terrific, but they they were helpful. The schematics for the rail and subway system were indispensable. The historical context the book provides is concise and illuminating. The resources section at the back could stand some expansion on topics such as buying international phone cards.

This is a good resource for a short trip. It's just that it could have been a better resource.

Average customer rating:

Mostly Brussels
At last - A DK Guide that's not too heavy
GREAT TRAVEL BOOK
The best travel book around!
Very good resource for planning and en route

Brussels (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK Travel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

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ASIN: 0756624401

Book Description

Highlights include: Lower Town, Upper Town, Greater Brussels, as well as sited beyond the city.

Customer Reviews:

Mostly Brussels.......2007-06-18

We recently took a trip to Belgium, where we intended to visit Brugge, Antwerp, and Brussels, although in the end, we dropped Antwerp in favor of spending more time in Brugge. I bought a copy of this book on the advice that it had a lot of coverage beyond Brussels.

Like most EyeWitness guides, the photos, sketched 3D area maps, etc. were all brilliant for identifying points of interest and notable details. The suggested walking tours also proved to be a great resource, since these cities are best visited simply by wandering the streets rather than heading straight for key destinations.

My only qualm with the book is that (as the title suggests) it is heavy on Brussels. This was a little disappointing, having heard that it included adequate coverage of the other cities in its subtitle. Nearly 75% of the book is dedicated to the capital with the other cities receiving only around a half dozen pages each. If you're planning to spend a lot of time in Brugge, Antwerp, or Ghent, I'd recommend finding a book with more focused coverage. If you plan to spend a lot of time in Brussels, with daytrips to one or more of the other cities, this book would probably be great.

At last - A DK Guide that's not too heavy.......2007-01-12

Perfect for Belgium. Brussels, Bruge, Antwerp are all well done. The quality of the DK series makes them the pick of the class, but heavy. It's the only guilde that emmanates a feel for the area's architecture. I used the hotel section comparatively with other guides. It finished slightly ahead. What is unusual is a non-tourist perspective is part of the review mix. I am an intelligent successful high tech businessman and not particularly interested in clowns staying away from people that are. To me travel is not an entertainment video. It is a mix of pleasure, leisure, and learning while keeping in reasonable cost effective contact with the world that enabled me to make the trip. This is the one area that could use improvement. "Internet access" is a meaningless description. What's the cost, how fast, what mode, where, and how often is it available? For decades the hotel telephone has been the ultimate rip off tool. Now it's morphed into the cell phone realm. Despite what you have read international calling is still very expensive. When Best Western doesn't charge for the identical serice that Hyatt, Hilton,
Marriott, etc. do is it very clear whose happiness is primary despite what the brochure says. A lot more help on this would be most appreciated. Kudos to DK for giving local food a serious look. The inclusion of small, medium and high end places is a refreshing and useful change. For some reason no mention is made of the "ladies of the evening" displaying their virtues through sidewalk level bay windows along the street parallel to the Brussels airport-to-central station route about five minutes before it ends. After a long flight it provides a little spice that was missing in the airline food.

GREAT TRAVEL BOOK.......2006-03-21

This was an indispensable tool my navigation of Belgium. I also purchased the Top 10, published by DK just so I would not miss anything. I liked the large maps and the clear directions to the venues. The pictures were GREAT. This book greatly enhanced my journey.

The best travel book around!.......2006-02-25

DK guides are by far the best for any trip -- their black-by-block walking guides just can't be beat.

Very good resource for planning and en route.......2002-07-13

I have had great experiences with the DK Guides. I use it extensively in my trip planning and this is the guide I take on the trip.

This guide provides execllent information about local sites throughout Beligium. It gives very clear guidance concerning what you can find and access information. It also helps you to locate the sites with indexed maps and diagrams.

I have found that this and the other DK Guides are bit weak in providing guidance about what to see. That is, it offers little qualitative information--everything sounds equally wonderful. And we all know this is not necessarily the case.

So I always find another guide that has more opinions and recomended tours to determine what to see. I espiecially look for guided the provide suggested walking tours. This has worked out well for the most part. I use other guides to plan the trip and the DK Guide in the country.

It has very usable maps although sometimes too limited in scope and you may require a local map to get around beyond the central city. Also, because the book is a bit heavy and too large to fit in a jacket pocket after the first day or so I leave it in the hotel and rely on the local map when walking about.

The one topic I find most reliable is DK's restaurant recommendations. The two places I tried in Brussels were fantastic and offered everything that the guide described. I have had equal success with DK's restaurant recommendations in other cities/countries.

I think this is an indispensible travel guide as long as you know what you are using it for--planning or background info, etc.

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