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.

Blue Guide Jordan

This is the best guidebook I have ever used

Reviewed by Agnieszka
Format: Kindle ebook

The Blue Guide is designed to serve travelers who prioritize the history and archaeology of sites. The ground plans are particularly helpful. The book covers well-known sites, e.g. Petra, as well as places off the beaten track, e.g. Qasr Burqu. The directions are usually clear. There were only a few times I was not able to match the directions with what I saw, which may have been caused by factors beyond the authors’ control. The newest edition contains accurate and up to date information, even for the opening hours of the Jordan Museum. This is the best guidebook I have ever used. I would recommend it to anyone serious about history and archaeology.

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Blue Guide Rome

Excellent guide to Rome

Reviewed by Kurt Schweighauser
Format: Paperback

Excellent guide to Rome. I recently spent a week there and good this book everywhere. The last day I went to the Vatican and hired a tour guide. There were 25 people in the group, but with the help of the Blue Guide, I didn’t miss anything.

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Blue Guide Crete

If a Mediterranean vacation is in your plans

Reviewed by suej
Format: Paperback

This is one of three guides I have and is easily the best especially if you are interested in the history of Crete. But even if you’re not, it is a mine of information, as well as useful recommendations for accommodation and eating (we tried a few of the recommended restaurants and weren’t disappointed in any of them). It’s divided into different geographical sections, each beginning with a history of the place, then recommended places to visit, with the emphasis on historical sites and museums but other places of interest as well. There are guided walks and drives, with masses of background information. There is also practical stuff about travel, where to stay, (with price guides) tourist information, where to eat (also with price guides), shopping and markets, festivals and events, walking, and recommended further reading. The detail on places like Knossos is great – I can safely say that it’s all we needed to guide us round the site. Highly recommended.

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Blue Guide Venice

Wow!

Reviewed by Tim Synge
Format: Paperback

This really is a fantastic guide. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a week in Venice and many of my target destinations were based on the contents of this book. It is so incredibly informative and authoritative that it knocks the information in other guides, such as Baedeker and Lonely Planet, into the long grass. Of course, it is much more of a specialist publication with an unapologetic focus on art, architecture, sculpture and history, so you would expect it to do better than general purpose guides.

A couple of minor drawbacks: firstly the ordering of contents (once you get beyond the six districts of Venice) is a little opaque. The mini-maps for each major site are loosely indicative, but you do need a proper streetmap too. Secondly, it is a job to distinguish between one-star and five-star recommendations. Granted, it is not for this book to be too populist and rank its contents, but sometimes a real gem is almost lost in a small paragraph. I am not sure how this could be improved, but I often found myself cross-referencing against a “tourist” guide to decide how to prioritise the visits.

All in all, an excellent work. My first Blue Guide, but emphatically not my last.

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Blue Guide Trentino & the South Tyrol

Nice and small and light enough to pack easily

Reviewed by Brian M Biggs
Format: Paperback

A part of Italy the regular guide-books don’t really spend any time with. Nice and small and light enough to pack easily. Not to mention the history of the region, as well as side-trips to smaller towns. Loved the book, loved the trip.

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Blue Guide Sicily

useful research book

Reviewed by Kahanamoku “Kahanamoku”
Format: Paperback

One of the best books I have found for information on Sicily. If you want pretty pics go elsewhere.. this is really great on the information side. A much better format for me than DK.

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Blue Guide Rome

Not for the superficial or uninitiated

Reviewed by John D. Wynn
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.

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Blue Guide Venice

Essential guide for serious lovers of Venice

Reviewed by Venetia
Format: Paperback

Not a book for those seeking superficial information or brief summaries of the major sights, but an excellent guide for anyone with a serious interest in Venice’s art and architecture and who wishes to acquire an intimate knowledge of the city. The maps are detailed and the walks included are also first rate, opening up hidden corners that might otherwise be overlooked. Highly recommended.

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Blue Guide Eastern Turkey

Best guide to eastern Turkey

Reviewed by Tammie Sisco “Book lover in Turkey”
Format: Kindle ebook

The best guide to Eastern Turkey hands down. I spent two weeks driving around the East of Turkey, Kars, Dogubeyazit, Van, Diyarbakir and this has a lot of useful advice and what to see.

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Blue Guide London

Exceptional update to a classic and useful guide to this amazing city

Reviewed by Blue Sky “Blue Sky”
Format: Paperback

Exceptional update to a classic and useful guide to this amazing city. Enjoyable to read as well as a practical guide from which to plan a trip.

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Blue Guide Venice

A great guide and interesting to read

Reviewed by Margaret R. Snowdon
Format: Paperback

I searched so many guide books on Venice before I finally chose Blue Guide Venice – I found it helpful and most informative–written in a way that held the interest. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Blue Guide Sicily

Simply the best and most complete travel companion

Reviewed by Argyraspid
Format: Paperback

Simply the best! The editor of this Blue Guide, Sicily is Dr Michael Metcalfe, whom I had the immense pleasure to meet on several trips organized by Peter Sommer Travels.

This travel guide starts with a sketchy presentation of Sicily’s complex history. After that, each province of Sicily is being explained in detail, beginning each time with a short history of its own followed by the role its capital and other main cities played over the centuries, highlighting the main buildings and others, inclusive opening hours, entrance fees and handy phone numbers. Clear town plans and site maps help the prospective visitor to find his way among the Greco-Roman ruins and in the web of streets and alleys of these cities and towns. Key events or key personalities receive special attention in a framed window, and clear drawings and an occasional (black & white) picture definitely help to get a good idea of what to expect.

At the end of each chapter treating a separate province, there is a list of hotels and restaurants that deserve to be taken into consideration. That goes for all the provinces of Sicily: Palermo, Trapani, Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Enna, Ragusa, Syracuse, Catania and Messina.

The guide concludes with some practical information about opening hours, emergency numbers, means of communication and travel, and finally some details about accommodation and the island’s wide range of typical food and drink (wines). There also is a glossary of special terms, mostly pertaining to Greek temples and theatres, handily completed with drawings of the basic temple design, the classical orders of the temples, the design of ancient theatres, as well as the names and shapes of all kinds of pottery one can encounter. It also includes a list of Sicilian architects, painters and sculptors. At the very end of the guide we find a full road map of Sicily and a series of more detailed maps by province. In short, everything you need to know before heading for this beautiful island but also extremely useful while travelling around.

To my greatest pleasure and utmost satisfaction I did indeed visit this island in a two-weeks tour led by Dr Michael Metcalfe in person (for the tour details of Peter Sommer Travels, see Exploring Sicily), who truly brought Sicily and its rich history and culture to life!

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Blue Guide Trentino & the South Tyrol

Great info but no practicalities

Reviewed by Chilean Ale “Alejandro H”
Format: Paperback

Amazing historical and architectural tips and background, not much on practical tips. For example in lodging and restaurant, there is usually one recomendation for each place. Covers the region better than other guides that only tell you about Bolzano, Castelorotto and Alpe d’Siusi; this guide properly covers the whole region named in the cover, and although I haven’t been there, its description use enough adjectives to help you anticipate and decide.

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Blue Guide Concise Italy

Helped me a lot in Tuscany and Umbria

Reviewed by Alexander
Format: Kindle ebook

I missed illustrations, but the guide is terrific and helped me a lot in Tuscany and Umbria.

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The Peloponnese

This book is amazing because it shows the area as it was

Reviewed by ellen “ellen in atlanta”
Format: Kindle ebook

My people all came from this lovely part of Greece. This book is wonderful because it shows the area as it was, with mythical resources to how it is now-complete with hotel, cafe, and travel information. This is a beautiful part of Greece where there is poverty, pride, gorgeous orchards, magnificent views- and very wonderful people. Luxury hotels take advantage of the beauty of this mystical place and gives the tourist a one stop shop to see a gorgeous part of Greece. The places you have heard about all your life–Argos, Sparta, etc.all are there to explore.

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Umbria

Five Stars

Reviewed by Steve Hallgrimson
Format: Kindle ebook

Very informative and easy to read.

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Thessaly

Blue Guide in useful sections

Reviewed by Suzi Stembridge
Format: Kindle ebook

Short but sweet, a single chapter from the latest Blue Guide; a very useful way of taking a guide whether on Kindle, phone or ipad.

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Blue Guide Rome

Scholarly and readable: an indispensable guide to Rome

Reviewed by Anne Redmon
Format: Paperback

We bought the Blue Guide to Rome for our second visit to the city in six months: this was because the Michelin Guide we had used before gave us only cursory information on the sites we had visited then. Rome was not, of course, built in a day and any of its major treasures certainly take at least half a day to see adequately. The Blue Guide is scholarly and perhaps too heavy-weight for quick tourism but if you have been bitten by the Roman bug and really want to delve then this is for you. It is written in clear language and the index makes it easy for you to dive in at any level you want. Now I have come home I want to pick it up again and pore over it, revisiting in my mind the places that we saw. We were particularly interested in San Clemente. My husband visited it alone in December because I had a tummy bug at the time and he had only the Michelin for company. This time we went together and spent an entire morning there with the Blue Guide taking us all the way from the Temple of Mithras on the lowest level right up to the stunning mosaics in the church itself. We could hardly tear ourselves away.

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Blue Guide Greece The Mainland

Your best friend in Greece

Reviewed by iwearshoes
Format: Paperback

With this guide, you don’t need to be an archaeologist or an ancient historian to get the most out of your trip to Greece, but if you are, you will likely find sites you hadn’t before considered. It is thorough in its information about all the important sites, plus many gems of lesser-known sites. Information includes walking and driving maps, guided room-by-room tours of museums, ancient and modern histories, sidebars on important historical figures and events, and even references to modern scholarship. All time periods are covered from prehistoric mounds and ancient temples to Frankish castles and Byzantine and modern monasteries and churches.

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Smoothly from Harrow

Thoroughly recommended!

Reviewed by Linda B
Format: Paperback

An absolute gem! Original and thoroughly enjoyable. Each page is a delight – full of interesting and amusing facts. For anyone who has ever travelled by train, this book offers an enlightened insight, uplifting the chore of any train journey. I couldn’t put this book down! A perfect gift.

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Blue Guide Turkey

Excellent overview of sites

Reviewed by Prof C W Dearden
Format: Paperback

An excellent overview of the Classical and later sites of Turkey. It is unfortunate there has been no updated edition recently and that this reprint edition is sometimes less well printed than it might be. Indeed some of the site maps are better reproduced in the 2nd (1995) edition. But overall an exceptionally good guide book (like all the Blue Guides).

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Pilgrim’s Rome

LOVE

Reviewed by MAS
Format: Kindle ebook

Blue Guides are the best of the best. I’m not Catholic but I am Christian and wanted a book that gave fantastic Biblical history of Rome. This book is unbiased, detailed, and very easy to read and enjoy. Next purchase Blue Guide Venice and Rome.

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Blue Guide New York

This is THE bible when it comes to New York

Reviewed by Vinay Raval
Format: Paperback

The insight provided from this book is truly amazing. As a native New Yorker, I enjoyed the variety of content and the quality of its presentation. Although “reference-like”, this is a great book to read page-by-page over several weeks. Doing so will increase your overall knowledge and assist in your retention of information. For example, I can’t imagine how lost I would have been in the main sections without having read the architecture primer in the beginning. As a result of carefully reading this book, I passed the NYC Sightseeing Exam on the first go (harder than you likely think), and look through my home city in a completely different light. This probably isn’t the best choice for a quick visit to NYC but is the perfect starter for those who live in NYC and wish to see it from a different light. I have never come across a better researched book, and am unlikely to do so. If ever a product deserved five stars – this is it!

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Blue Guide Greece The Aegean Islands

Potentially useful, but read reviews first

Reviewed by Jon Corelis
Format: Paperback

To sum up: obviously this is a major book on Greece, well organized and clearly expressed, and will be worth carrying around if you have a serious scholarly interest, even as an amateur, in the Aegean islands and especially their classical history.

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The Venice Lido

A review of The Venice Lido: A Blue Guide Travel Monograph by Robin Saikia

Reviewed by Mr. R. Clark
Format: Kindle ebook

Among my large collection of travel literature, I will treasure this beautifully-crafted book by Robin Saikia, for it is that rare thing – a work that, even in the depths of winter, can transport the reader to the destination of choice, in this case the Venice Lido. It is so much more than just a guide. A friendly, knowledgeable travelling companion would describe it more accurately. I have not been to Venice for many years, but this learned and witty book has ensured that it will not be long before I return. Thank you Robin Saikia. Richard Clark – Author The Greek Islands – A Notebook; Crete – A Notebook

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Blue Guide Sicily

Amazing Sicilian Guide

Reviewed by Jill Tata
Format: Paperback

Blue Guide Sicily is an exciting and extraordinary travel guide. Having visited with a large tour group I want to return solo. This book goes into depth and sums up the islands charm. It’s an excellent read in preparation for, or while on a trip to Sicily. Part guidebook, part historical and it is one of the most interesting books I’ve read. I’d say it’s the definitive work on Sicily! A great picture of Sicily and its hideouts through the centuries – very insightful.

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Pilgrim’s Rome

A pocket-sized guide, which packs quite a punch…

Reviewed by David Lown
Format: Paperback

For centuries Rome has been a magnet for pilgrims. They first arrived by foot or on horseback; they now arrive, more often than not, by train or aeroplane. Their means of transport might have changed, but their reasons for travelling hasn’t. As a place of pilgrimage, Rome is second only to Jerusalem in terms of importance. It was the site of some of the first Christian communities. It is the burial place of countless saints and martyrs. It is home to more than 900 churches and is, of course, the residence of the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Vicar of Christ and the Pope, which we learn are just a few of the Holy Father’s many titles. The first two chapters are devoted to Peter and Paul (Rome’s patron saints) and the sites associated with them. The author then moves on to the seven Patriarchal basilicas and the Catacombs. Much of the rest of the book is devoted to churches in general. There will always be quibbles in a book of this size over why some churches were selected, while others were omitted (why, for instance, Sant’Alfonso and not Santa Maria della Pace?), but that is inevitable. The book ends with a series of short entries on subjects such as Papal Indulgences and Stational Churches, which I found particularly interesting.

In writing a guidebook for Christian travellers to Rome, Ms Barber has become part of a long and venerable tradition, which dates back to the fourth century. However, unlike many of her predecessors, this author wears her knowledge lightly and is not above enlivening the text with the occasional anecdote. Believers and non-believers, first time visitors and veterans, all should slip this book into their pockets the next time they visit the Eternal City.

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Visible Cities Dubrovnik

An easy, informative read

Reviewed by Adrian Perks
Format: Paperback

This is a fantastic book. An essential must for all those visiting this beautiful city and area. Some of the information is out of date, but, as long as you bare that in mind, this is really useful.

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Sites of Antiquity

Surprisingly accessible

Reviewed by justtryingtobehelpful
Format: Hardcover

I confess to be a bit of a history dunce and ruins don’t really do that much for me … HOWEVER, when I read this book several scales fell from my eyes and I found myself galloping through the text even and retaining some of the info. Charles Freeman’s style is incredibly readable. It’s also a truly beautiful book – glorious pictures, photographs, explanatory diagrams. I’m now on my way to Turkey … in my armchair of course.

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Sites of Antiquity

A great book to drool over while planning your next five summers

Reviewed by Michael K. Smith
Format: Hardcover

When it comes to subjects like history, I’m always a little suspicious of glossy, oversized picture books because so many of them stint on the text. You have to ask, “Would this still be a worthwhile book without the images?” In this case, I’m pleased to say, the answer is resoundingly “Yes.” The text in this well-produced volume does not merely accompany and identify the hundreds of illustrations, it expands on them. Freeman identifies fifty locations of historical importance, places where there’s still something to be seen, where the classical past wasn’t obliterated by later history. You can argue with some of his choices, but since he limits himself necessarily to that number, his selections all are defensible. Some are pretty obvious, like the Forum in Rome, and the Acropolis in Athens, and the Great Pyramid in Egypt, but others will likely be new to most readers, such as the beautifully preserved Greek sanctuary and theater at Epidaurus and the mosaic-rich Roman villa at Piazza Armerina in Sicily. Chronologically, the range is from the step pyramid at Saqqara to St. Catherine’s Monastery in the Sinai. Geographically, “antiquity” is defined here as “Western” and he excludes anyplace east of Palmyra.

The illustrations, none of which are original for this volume, come from a number of sources, including not only archives and museums but individuals. Principal among these is a talented architectural photographer who traveled widely in the 1970s, camera in hand, and whose very high-quality work has seldom been seen before this. Reproduction of all the photos is very clear and they’re all of a size to show detail clearly. Freeman himself is what’s called a “freelance academic,” which means he has to know how to communicate clearly to nonspecialists (as well as being to market himself convincingly). I have a considerable background myself in classical history and I spotted no obvious errors or peculiar interpretations. I’ve visited some of these sites myself, over the years, and what he has to say brings back memories. There are numerous sidebars on such topics as the Greek philosophical schools and architectural “orders,” Egyptian religious themes, and Roman water supply management. He also adds a number of ground plans keyed to the photos for places like Rome and Olympus, which helps orient the reader. The only complaint I can make is that Freeman has a tendency to toss out technical terms (especially architectural jargon) without explanation. The glossary is only two pages, which should have been tripled, at least. Other than that small caveat, this is an very nicely conceived and generally very successful attempt to engage the reader in those complex civilizations that preceded ours.

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Sites of Antiquity

Armchair grand tour

Reviewed by P Furtado
Format: Hardcover

This is a beautiful, accessible illustrated book which really brings the Blue Guide imprint up to date. It offers a spin round the great classical sites of the Mediterranean and the Nile, plus a couple of Roman sites – Trier and Hadrian’s Wall – much further north. Each site is treated to a crisp introduction to the history and its excavation, when relevant, and each article is boosted with factboxes and sidebards contextualising and explaining what it was all about. Plus of course a range of gorgeous photos, some historic prints and a few reconstruction artworks.

You might feel there are a lot of books answering to a description like that, but this one stands out by being written by an author with real knowledge and a great deal of experience at explaining the things the reader/visitor really wants to know, as well as the things the reader or visitor ought to want to know.

You wouldn’t want to take it with you on a hot day in Karnak – too big and too heavy and not enough specific detail to be worth the effort – but you can buy a traditional Blue Guide for that. Instead, study it – and enjoy it – at home, or in your cruise cabin.

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