Some recent feedback on Amazon

While we recommend and support good book shops as the obvious place to buy a Blue Guide, we also provide functionality from these pages to order copies for immediate delivery from Amazon.  One of the advantages of this for us is that we can see the excellent rankings and feedback from readers that our titles receive, in itself rewarding for our authors, editors and production team, who put an enormous amount of work into publishing “the best-researched, best presented guide books in the English language”. Here are some recent comments.

Sites of Antiquity

Sites of Antiquity

Brilliant!

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Reviewed by Jesse Robertson
Format: Hardcover

Concise and encyclopedia-like with highlights of each site through panel discussions and photos. Each site is a survey point in a bigger picture look at life in antiquity. Beautiful photos. Authoritative narrative.

Blue Guide London

Blue Guide London

Not for the superficial or uninitiated

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Reviewed by JD
Format: Paperback

The Blue Guides are uniformly outstanding, but you have to know what you are getting: detailed descriptions of art and architecture with myriad discussions of dates and names and places and little background for the less initiated.

This is not for the casual reader with a superficial knowledge of history and little interest in every duke, lord, prince and princeling, architect, architect’s assistant, architect’s mentor or mid-career vs later-career predilection. It’s a dense, heavy book to lug around, and the extra effort is amply rewarded – if this is the kind of detail that you like.

Blue Guide Venice

Blue Guide Venice

The best got better

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Reviewed by Jeff Cotton
Format: Paperback

You know what to expect from a Blue Guide – a solid and detailed survey of the art and architecture, free of pretension, fashion and recommendations of what’s ‘happening’. And so this new edition is satisfying and unsurprising, except it’s now illustrated fully in colour! And not just the photos – the maps, plans and drawings get a clarifying colourful spruce up too. It’s like a Dorling Kindersley guide mated with a Blue Guide. Almost, there’s still more text than pics. Anyway, this guide is now even more the best to get.

Sites of Antiquity

Sites of Antiquity

Review

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Reviewed by TheHillpaul
Format: Hardcover

Apart from my passport the only other thing that has gone around the world with me has been a Blue Guide. There are other guidebooks that will give you better, cheaper or groovier places to eat and sleep but a Blue Guide is like Kipling’s six honest serving men. Having said that though this isn’t one that you would stuff in your knapsack. This is the luxury planning version that you may want to flip the pages on, peering through your monocle whilst reclining languidly on your chaise-longue. Unlike my dog-eared Blue Guides with their extensive marginalia, I will endeavour to keep this in the pristine condition I received it in. An excellent overview of the Classical world, it does a very good job of linking the major sites. The only caveat I have is that unlike the traditional Blue Guides the number of site maps/architectural illustrations is minimal, but don’t let that put you off.

Blue Guide New York

Blue Guide New York

Everything you need

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Reviewed by Barbara A. Seidel
Format: Paperback

Terrific book evidently also used by tourist guides now. Looking forward to its next edition, but right now it certainly gets you into a New York State of mind. History, historic buildings, all the info on whatever museums you want to see, great maps. Covers all the boroughs but essential for Manhattan. I give it as a gift f I have friends who are just now discovering NYC.

Blue Guide Greece the Aegean Islands

Blue Guide Greece the Aegean Islands

Perfect for those historically inclined that want to hop from island to island

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Reviewed by P. Caetano
Format: Paperback

This is a great compilation in one book of the 20 books by the author of this blue book Prof. McGilchrist which covered about 70 islands. I find this the best overview of the Aegean islands historical sites It is useful to chose main island to fly to and plan which “satellite” islands around it are worthwhile to visit by ferry or local water taxi. Chapter on Rhodes perfect about seeing classic Greek period acropolis on Lindos, medieval town in Rhodes old town and advice on n historical settlements to see in nearby Symi and Chalki islands. As for also enjoying the beaches, kids activities, water sports, restaurants, lodging, etc bring along one of the more common tour generalist travel book.

Skiathos

Skiathos

Short but useful

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Reviewed by ErskineMay
Format: Kindle ebook

This is a short extract but it provides useful advice and historical information I found nowhere else; it’s not about bars, hotels and restaurants.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Very good guide to Rome

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Reviewed by Jmb
Format: Kindle ebook

First, I bought both the paperback and Kindle editions. I bought the paperback first, but it was so thick that it was impossible to carry it with me easily while sightseeing. I then bought the Kindle edition, and had no problems with faults or navigation like the earlier reviewer. One simply must go back to the table of contents (easily done) and then simply click on the site/area one wishes to explore. Like all Blue Guides, it is comprehensive, especially in its descriptions of the major churches of Rome. Some of the walks suggested were really good, and I am glad I followed the book’s advice. However, the author of the book does not hold back when he/she doesn’t think something is worth your time. In a couple of cases, I am glad that I went to a church even though the book said it held little merit. Still, the book made my four-day trip to Rome much more meaningful.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Well worth the weight to take on site

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Reviewed by Luce
Format: Paperback

So glad to see an updated edition of one of the finest guide books ever. I relied on its predecessor until so many changes occurred in what it is possible to see in Rome. This is the right book for serious visitors or residents in Rome who want depth of history and solid information. Great for pre-travel study or armchair reflection. This is not the book for people primarily in search of where to eat or where to stay. Best book to take on site for thorough explanation of what you see without the book weight of colored illustrations. A must for the scholarly tourist.

Blue Guide Trentino & the South Tyrol

Blue Guide Trentino & the South Tyrol

Focus on Trento and South Tyrol

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Reviewed by cookie2
Format: Paperback

This was a very informative book. We spent a week in the area and had plenty to see. It was great to have a book that focused on the region we had chosen to visit. We found some real gems. We would have loved a little information on the local wines with some contact info. It was a great trip and this book had a lot to do with it!

Blue Guide Paris

Blue Guide Paris

informative, detailed

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Reviewed by Brarian
Format: Paperback

Very informative guide for Paris, with lots of historical detail.

Blue Guide London

Blue Guide London

Love this Book!

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Reviewed by Tracy Leininger
Format: Paperback

I like having this book, as it divides London up into sections. I relied on it more than I did the internet!

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Covers the topic very thoroughly.

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Reviewed by Brooklyn Kid
Format: Paperback

I always find the ‘Blue Guides’ excellent. Very informative and easy to use.

Blue Guide Budapest

Blue Guide Budapest

Great book!

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Reviewed by T-Bred
Format: Paperback

Perfect for exploring Budapest! Review it in advance of your trip so you will know what you have to see!

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Great and Informative.

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Reviewed by Randy
Format: Paperback

I used an old edition of this years ago. Nice to have an updated copy! The book is very informative with lots of valuable history of the country and concise info on where and what to see.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Roma nascosta

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Reviewed by James A. Sullivan
Format: Paperback

This volume is like the older Blue Guides, deep in history if not as drenched with art objects or esoterica. One example, take the Aurelian Wall. Learn how the Romans loved it, they needed to keep out the barbarian hordes, naturally. The legions were busy skirmishing outside the city, so Roman citizens picked up their spades and did the building. A Trumpian moment, of course.

Blue Guide Venice and the Veneto

Blue Guide Venice and the Veneto

Blue Guide Must-Haves for Italy

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Reviewed by mikelb
Format: Paperback

Having known the more massive Blue Guides of the past (e.g., one for all of Northern Italy), I just recently discovered these smaller, separate regional guides and bought not only this one but also those for Sicily and Emilia-Romagna; a new one for Lombardy is due out shortly. They are not geared to mass travel or all the practicalities of travel to Italy’s main tourist centers; for that sort of guide you can resort to the “Big 5” (or more) guides. Rather, these Blue Guides are strongly geared to the voyager with strong orientation to the art, history and culture (and natural beauties too) of Italy, and an appetite to go a bit off-the-beaten tourist path, as that’s where some of the greatest treasures are to be found.

The value of these Blue Guides is to delve deeper than the “Big 5” guides don’t or can’t. The Blue Guides are wonderful for digging out smaller or undiscovered treasures that no traveler would be likely to find alone — a town or a church or museum or neighborhood, let’s say, that may be a real revelation. Many of those are places most tourists never get to — and may not even know about — but that is not to say they are minor in any way. They may in fact be priceless culturally.

For comparison, I consulted a very recent edition of one of the Big 5 — the Rick Steves 2017 Italy Guide, which is packed with useful information in its nearly 1200 pages, and very well presented; from a practical point of view, I think this may be the best of the Big guides today. But consider what it does not find space for and never even mentions: even close to Milan which does get coverage, no mention of Pavia, for example, with its famous monastery, or Bergamo, or Brescia, or Cremona; a bit further afield, no treatment at all of Piacenza, Modena, Parma, the major city of Bologna, Mantua, Ferrara. All unique, all with wonderful things to see and experience, and many of them with a more intimate atmosphere than the big tourist cities.

So, for some of us, who would consider places like those to be “essential,” the Blue Guides are essential too, not as substitutes but rather as supplements to the big, practical guides. You may still need Rick Steves to teach you some ins and outs of travel in Italy, but the Blue Guides will help you find an exquisite out-of-the-way chapel or Renaissance palace or miraculous piece of art or priceless jewel of a piazza you would otherwise miss — and that you can explore without hordes of other tourists around you. PS the Blue Guides are cleanly organized and clearly and elegantly researched and written — VERY comprehensive for the areas they cover. I love them!

Blue Guide London

Blue Guide London

The definitive guide to London

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Reviewed by Csibesz
Format: Paperback

Blue Guides are the best guidebooks available today. They are well researched, well written and comprehensive. This book is the only guide to London you need.

Blue Guide Paris

Blue Guide Paris

Great trip planner

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Reviewed by Amazon Customer
Format: Paperback

This is a great book for getting acquainted with the City of Paris. Great for planning a trip.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Good book

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Reviewed by Dianne
Format: Paperback

Filled with great historical information for those visiting Rome.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

The best!

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Reviewed by Lucia
Format: Paperback

Blue Guides are the very best guides in the world. I have been using them for over 60 years. If you take one to where ever you are going you will learn about everything there is to see and how to get to it. Gave this guide to my grandson who is off to Rome for a semester and he tells me it’s terrific.

Blue Guide New York

Blue Guide New York

very handy and useful

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Reviewed by Carmen
Format: Paperback

i really like the size of this book, it can fit any bags

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Roman Holiday: The Gold Standard

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Reviewed by amachinist
Format: Kindle ebook

The ROME BLUE GUIDE became like a talisman for this reviewer. It provided detailed information about each sight including directions, history, photos and drawings. There were recommendations on where to eat and sleep as well as directions on how to get places. Detailed maps were included in the back. Options for public transport were also included. When in doubt about the order of popes or emperors, chronological lists were provided. A detailed index was so helpful. For the most fulfilling visit EVER to the Eternal City, don’t leave home without the Rome Blue Guide!

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Tremendous guide

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Reviewed by mark browne
Format: Kindle ebook

Superb highly detailed guide to the history, art, culture and important sights in Rome.

Blue Guide Florence

Blue Guide Florence

Fully on Florence and More

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Reviewed by amachinist
Format: Paperback

As always, the Blue Guide on Florence holds up to the series’ high standards. The guide begins with a historical sketch including an in depth history of the Renaissance. Unsure of who is whom in the Medici family? This Florence Blue Guide provides a complete family tree! There are maps, diagrams, photos, a glossary and detailed index as well as suggestions for lodging and dining. Much welcome information is provided on each famous sight including special tips on ticket purchases. For example, there is both a telephone number and OFFICIAL on-line booking service for the Uffizi Gallery. The guide warns that other booking services should be avoided due to their extra fees. That sure is a helpful tip!

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Excellent travel resource

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Reviewed by Jerome Cavanaugh
Format: Kindle ebook

Great detail about all locations in Sicily, even the small towns and villages between primary tourist sites.

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

For the traveller who wants to know EVERYTHING about Sicily

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Reviewed by Lyvia Kalisky
Format: Kindle ebook

The Blue Guide tradition of giving full information is capably upheld in the volume about Sicly. This is perfect when you need to know all about an archeological site. I bought this book for a short trip to the island and I found it perfect for learning all the details I crave. I recommend the e- book edition on a Kindle or tablet to avoid lugging around a weighty tome.

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Intelligent book for intelligent art lovers.

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Reviewed by Marina K.
Format: Kindle ebook

In depth explanation of art, architecture and history. Not afraid to be sophisticated. Well above the level of more popular guide books.

Blue Guide New York

Blue Guide New York

Five stars

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Reviewed by Amazon Customer
Format: Paperback

The ultimate guide to New York. It was my biggest aspect for successfully passing my exam for sightseeing guide here in the Big Apple. Lots of info, well,structured, complete. For those in need of a real guide. Less pictures, more content. I would recommend it every single day.

Blue Guide Budapest

Blue Guide Budapest

As erudite, entertaining and multi-layered as the city itself!

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Reviewed by henry copeland
Format: Paperback

Budapest’s unique location in the tidal basin of history means its enriched by the sediment of many cultures. The Blue Guide provides a readable, portable, accurate and entertaining glimpse of this unique place.

Blue Guide Budapest

Blue Guide Budapest

Blue Guides are the best guides

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Reviewed by froley
Format: Paperback

Blue Guides are the best guides. This version is a magnificent edition with highly detailed information on the city and its sites. You will not be unhappy with its layout, design, or content. It hums. It does have a fault – a serious lack of floor plans for the museums on the Royal Hill and in the city itself. There’s no floor plan for the National Gallery – the National Museum – or the Budapest History Museum. The Royal estate of Empress Elisabeth at Godollo lacks a local map or floor plan, as well. There is no better guide to Budapest for the seasoned traveler than this edition. This is more of a text guide and is not a visual guide with maps or color photos. It is the highest quality information in a handy size for traveling.

Blue Guide New York

Blue Guide New York

Great information. Very comprehensive

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Reviewed by Paul Stewart
Format: Paperback

I’m a NYC tour guide. Great information. Very comprehensive.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Just what is needed

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Reviewed by D. Blitz
Format: Kindle ebook

Just what is needed to figure out in depth what you want to see, wish I had this the first trip. Some people commented the kindle edition maps have an overprint which they do but I found that not an issue to read the plans etc, that was a worry of mine but it is a non issue.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Five stars

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Reviewed by Lisa
Format: Paperback

Love Blue Guide series, only guide books I will purchase.

Blue Guide Emilia Romagna

Blue Guide Emilia Romagna

Compact and informative. Almost perfect.

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Reviewed by Christopher Chinnery
Format: Paperback

Bought for a short visit to Ferrara. It is a very handy size but much more informative than any English language guide I could find in the usual London shops. In the tradition of Blue Guides, it is well writen and informative with a strong emphasis on art and architecture. I like the lack of illustrations which only add to the weight, break up the text, and serve no useful purpose. I intend to use it to visit and re-visit other towns in Emilia Romagna. The maps are useful for arriving by train, then getting around on foot and cycle (the best way of seeing all the towns in this flat region).

Blue Guide Crete

Blue Guide Crete

Meets the usual standard of the Blue Guides

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Reviewed by Ulrich G. Weiss
Format: Paperback

This guide has everything you need to know about the island. Particularly useful for people interested in Byzantine churches and frescoes, the map and directions to churches are very helpful, as the information given on Crete is not always correct from websites. A word of warning for Panaghia Kera Church near Krista, it was closed on Monday, at least in March, luckily went on a Sunday. Otherwise the hours and information were correct, but the opening times of places in Crete seem to change at will. This is more of a cultural guide than for people looking for restaurant info and hotels, I use the web for that.

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Good

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Reviewed by Reader
Format: Paperback

Detailed guidance on sites – very useful to supplement standard holiday trip guides.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guides are great!

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Reviewed by Kindle Customer
Format: Kindle ebook

Perfect for more in depth explorations. Damn near every thing you could ever see in Rome. Kindle version works well.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

No need for guided tours when you have…

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Reviewed by R. Bryant
Format: Paperback

We took several guide books to Italy and this was by far our favorite. No need for guided tours when you have the Blue Guide. Also loved the city walks.

Blue Guide New York

Blue Guide New York

why neighborhoods look the way they do and how this fantastic city emerged from a sleepy Dutch trading post

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Reviewed by Mark Pollack
Format: Paperback

For anyone planning a visit to the five boroughs, this is a must have. Forget other guides, they only skim the surface. If you are serious but getting to see and understand New York City, how it grew and developed, why neighborhoods look the way they do and how this fantastic city emerged from a sleepy Dutch trading post, then this is the book to have.

Blue Guide Emilia Romagna

Blue Guide Emilia Romagna

Not the usual tourist attractions

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Reviewed by S. Mason
Format: Kindle ebook

Lots of great details. Little towns. I got it in the kindle edition so I can travel with it. Very useful.

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Excellent reference book for my recent trip to Rome!

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Reviewed by Erin
Format: Paperback

Excellent reference book for my recent trip to Rome! Three of each had our own copy and we poured over it the entire trip. It includes historical facts on the may ancient sights to see in Rome as well as current dining and shopping recommendations. If you are planning a trip, I recommend grabbing the Blue Guide.

Blue Guide London

Blue Guide London

Best London Guide

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Reviewed by Amazon Customer
Format: Kindle ebook

Blue Guides are the definitive guides to art, architecture and culture—and the London guide keeps their high standard.

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Best of this type. Scope is rather narrow.

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Reviewed by anthony tedesco
Format: Paperback

Well researched. Really for those who enjoy art and architecture.

Blue Guide Florence

Blue Guide Florence

Excellent and deep review which will serve well any traveler

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Reviewed by Blue Sky
Format: Paperback

In the tradition of the Blue Guides, a superb compendium that provides a definitive guide to this magical city. Fully versed in Florence’s history, the logistics of touring and Italian culture. Excellent and deep review which will serve well any traveler.

Blue Guide London

Blue Guide London

Great read on the train up to London

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Reviewed by Lloyd Hanks
Format: Paperback

Fascinating so many interesting facts. Great read on the train up to London.

Blue Guide Venice

Blue Guide Venice

The Best Venice Guide

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Reviewed by Bruce Coles
Format: Paperback

This is the best guide to Venice for anyone who wants to go beyond the crowds on St Marks Square and discover the great art and architecture. The Blue Guides are an excellent series and highly recommended.

Blue Guide Sicily

Blue Guide Sicily

Excellent

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Reviewed by A. Malone
Format: Paperback

Excellent as this series usually is

Blue Guide Rome

Blue Guide Rome

Outstanding guide for the scholar in all of us!

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Reviewed by Samantha S. Birk
Format: Paperback

I have used Blue Guides for years and they are excellent! They provide a detailed historical information in a concise and brief format that is easy to read. Besides solid information and historical context, they also have excellent recommendations for dining, accommodations, and things to do.The diagrams are very useful help you ‘peel back’ the layers on what you are seeing. Compared to other guides, I find Blue guides to be far more comprehensive and easy to use.

Blue Guide Venice

Blue Guide Venice

Best guide

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Reviewed by Susie P.
Format: Kindle ebook

The best guide on Venice! Every recommendations checked out, and the descriptions of the sites (and sights) were excellent. Alta really knows the city.