“designed for the traveller who desires to understand more fully what he or she sees” Stuart Rossiter, Blue Guides editor-in-chief 1963-1973

“often plagiarised by other guide writers, Blue Guides have always been a gold standard for accuracy and depth” Daily Telegraph

"guidebooks in the grand tradition of thoroughness and objectivity." Ron Smith in The Georgia Review

Blue Guides have been published continuously since 1918.  Following the acquisition of the series in 2004, Somerset Books continues to invest heavily in publishing the best-researched, best-presented cultural guide books in the English language:

• strong focus on maintaining the Blue Guides as the leading, most comprehensive cultural guides in the English language covering art, history and architecture;
• full-colour throughout, with illustrations to inform rather than to decorate: maps, diagrams, floor plans, architectural details, photographs;
• re-editing to improve access to information and navigability with cross-referencing, excellent indexing, maps, floor plans and intelligent layout;
• selective listings of restaurants and accommodation informed by the belief that good practical recommendations will contribute to the enjoyment of good art.

“Thank you for reissuing the Blue Guides; they are invaluable.” Dr John Wilson, Director of Curatorial Affairs Joslyn Art Museum

"packed with the high standard of information we expect from Blue Guides but with a modern touch; thank goodness that doesn't mean you have 'dumbed down'." Jane Maw Cornish

“I like the new expanded format that marks a transition from a book merely to be consulted to one which offers greater pleasure of extended browsing.” Jonathan P Brown

"My wife and I are long-time enthusiasts of the Blue Guide series, having carried several volumes to Italy in the early eighties, but it was not until this month that we had the opportunity to experience the Guide in its new incarnation during our travels in Sicily. Of the many volumes we had in hand, the Blue Guide towered above all." Kevin Walsh

Although the new approach permeates the whole book, it is of course most immediately apparent in the look and layout. See for example some sample pages and the contents from Blue Guide Northern Italy, the first “new” Blue Guide (2005) »

Somerset Books also publish the Visible Cities » and art/shop/eat » series.