The absolute BEST book I've ever read on France and the French. Enthusiastic though unbiased, extensive and extremely well-documented but never dry or boring, lively but not too "journalist-like", this is an absolute must-read for whoever has an interest in this fascinating - though sometimes hard to grasp - country. Readers will likely understand France better thanks to this book. A real masterpiece. The author's knowledge of France (its history, famous authors, historians, politics, cultural patterns) is simply astonishing.

deep, unbiased, well researched in all aspects of the review. Written with excellent litterary talent, the book, although extensive, is never boring. One of the best I have ever read about the French and their country.

As an American in France I am particularly interested, andreasonablyknowledgeable about, works on france. I found Bernstein's book to provide an accurate and lively portrayal of a subject which is all too often romanticized or written about in a condescending way.

Knowing some French movies, that's not give you the spirit of it. Even if you really enjoy French movies, and that's my case. Remi Lanzoni's book gives me a sense of why I have that strong feeling for French movies. Like most of us, I have in mind a good picture of Hollywood film makers. Therefore, I can enjoy Scorsese's movies because I saw Billy Wilder's movies previously.
Thank to that book, I appreciate more "Amélie Poulain" now because I know what was there before: like Renoir's movies or why French movies have so touching characters.
Lanzoni's book is an enter in what the French secretly keep out of reach of Hollywood film producers: the recipe of a century of success...

"French Cinema: From Its Beginnings to the Present" represents a remarkable contribution in the field of film studies. Although more stills would have enhanced undoubtedly the visual content of the text, this book remains a great overview of French films.

This book on French cinema is a very important book. It really offers the reader a unique and splendid overview of one hundred years of French cinema, which influenced American movies as well as many other national cinemas. Rémi Fournier Lanzoni organized its narrative structure chronologically and provided at the beginning of each chapter a concise but valuable historical retrospective. Most likely one of the best books on the history of French filmmaking.

Doyle's condensed version of the French Revolution is an excellent source for revisiting this period in history. Having majored in French Language 20 years ago, I am embarassed to admit both of how much I had forgotten and did not know of this event. Doyle's book is a wonderful work outlining the chronolgy, revealing the hows and whys, and most importantly discussing its value today. Its 135 pages are worth their weight in gold.

The French Revolution is one of the most significant events in world history. So much has been written about it that it can be difficult to find a good place to start exploring the subject. Well, look no more. William Doyle has written a terrific introduction to the topic that is wonderful in its scope and yet concise. In this book he is more concerned with why the French Revolution mattered and has continued to matter, that with a retelling of what happened.

Rather than a strict chronological approach, the six chapters of this book give the reader six different perspectives on the same event. Each adds depth to our understanding of the event and its place in history.

Chapter one is called "Echoes" and it relates how this great upheaval was perceived by the rest of the world not only in the newspapers of the day but in fiction and drama. The Importance of Being Earnest, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Scarlet Pimpernel are discussed. The complete text of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens is included in this chapter as well.

"Why It Happened" is the second chapter. Here the author discusses the causes of the Revolution. This is mainly a description of the Ancien Regime's government and society during the reign of Louis XVI.

The third chapter is called "How It Happened." In this chapter Doyle discusses the Revolution as a series of events that stretched over a number of years. He does an excellent job of showing how each event led to the next. The violent excesses of the guillotine are much more understandable in context.

"What It Ended" is the name of the fourth chapter and my personal favorite. It is here that we see the impact that the Revolution had, not only in France, but throughout the world. Before the Revolution there is a world of Divine Right, religious authority, slavery, peasants, and aristocracy. While this doesn't change overnight, the fact that the people can revolt and change the social order becomes established beyond a doubt. Once changed, society seems unwilling to go back and is changed forever.

The next to the last chapter is called "What It Started," and it deals with the effects the Revolution has had on the world. It also discusses the reaction to the Revolution and the dynamic tension of radical and conservative forces in modern history.

"Where It Stands" is the last chapter. This is devoted to the schools of academic thought on the Revolution. The "classic" interpretation of the Revolution and its critics are outlined with a brief history. The chapter ends with an outline of contemporary thinking about the Revolution.

The book ends with a Timeline, The Revolutionary Calendar, a list of Further Readings, and an Index. The Calendar of twelve 30-day months and five complimentary days that began on September 22, 1793 is especially interesting.

This is a great introduction into the events and meaning of the French Revolution. It will satisfy the reader who wants just one book on the topic as well as the beginning scholar who is looking for a place to start his or her research.

Many relatively recent books on the French Revolution, such as Simon Schama's excellent CITIZENS, seem to presuppose a basic knowledge of the highlights and terms of the Revolution itself (the Tennis Court Oath, the Jacobins, Thermidor, etc.) but also of its aftermath (Louis XVIII and Charles X, Napoleon;s Egypt campaign, etc.). Doyle's book presupposes almost nothing, and lays out for the common reader not only a very clear and concise of the Revolution itself but also the ancien regime that preceded, and the restorations, republics, and empires that succeeded it. Best of all, it makes interesting claims in its introduction and conclusion as to why the Revolution mattered to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries as an intellectual and political event, and even (for good measure) a coherent account of the battles raging among the Annales schools of historians in France up to the present day. Fine work, and a great introduction.

Having lived and studied in Russia and being married to a Russian I am able to appreciate the tremendous understanding of the Russians by the author. this is a must read book if you intend to travel there, live there or marry someone who lives there; it will save you from making many mistakes or false assumptions. It is well written, concise , easy to read and inexpensive. Essential reading.

This book is very informative and easy to read. My husband and I are traveling to Russia sometime in the next 2 months to adopt 2 children and I feel it is important to understand their culture both for now and for their future. I have recommended this book to others on the adoption related mailing lists I am on and others have also responded favorably.

This book is a must read for anyone traveling or living in the area of the former Soviet Union. I live in Lithuania, which is not part of Russia any longer, but everything that I have read in this book applies to these people. They may not have Russian blood but they have been under Russian rule for over 70 years and the Russian way of thinking is engraved in the minds of these people. Again, this book is a must read for anyone considering to travel or to live in the former Soviet Union.

Brian Johnson Lithuania

Five stars plus for this young mans insight, interpretation, and brilliant display of history. I like many other readers were turned off by the boring history books we read in school. Lambers captures the true spirit of history! Because of the excitement this book ignites; this book has the potential to change the course of how history is viewed and studied. This book is a MUST READ for everyone. This book would make a great gift not only for teachers and history buffs, but also the person who hungers for knowledge. (The study guide is an added bonus to treasure) BRAVO!

I read the book first, and it was interesting to realize that the peaceful relations with Britain that we now take for granted were nonexistent and took hard work to accomplish. And the Study Guide is very good, and is surprisingly loaded with historical facts and fun word searches. I wish I had studied with this kind of material instead of boring history books that made me "hate" history for many years. Now I love it!

This book is early American history in a "capsule," full of important events describing the conflicts between America and Britain, yet imagines the ordinary citizen's feelings about the wars in an interesting blend of fiction and history. Young people especially should read it.

I backpacked the UK in September of 1999 by myself. This book helped make the trip one of the best times I've had in my life. It was frequently the envy of fellow hostel-goers, and was often seen on hand in the hostel libraries. The directions to individual hostels can't be beat and the 'things to do' areas are great as well. I realize that this book is out of print now (why?), but if you plan on backpacking the UK, FIND A COPY! If you absolutely cannot, email me at bryan@n-o-s-p-a-m.dugger.com (remove the n-o-s-p-a-m.)

I'm not a great reader but this book saved my life. I was in GB with girlfriend and girlfriend dumped me. In London. She left this book behind. I took Kristina Cordero's advice as godspell and traveled alone all over the island. All the places where just as described in the book. When I wanted to be alone, I went where she said so and viceversa. A really great book for anyone who wants to travel. But it's also a great read. I never went to Scotland but I read about it anyway! And laughed! Josh Remsen, San Diego, CA

Cordero's guide provides a to-the-point analysis of the premiere budget retreats of the region, and she does so with wit and spunk. Her guide is noteworthy in that it also guides readers to the major sights of each area, including some more funky, less-touristed ones. Cordero's in-depth hostel reviews do not hesitate to comment on virtually any aspect of the hostel: whether it is a long trek from the train station, whether the roosters awaken guests at the crack of dawn, whether the hostel cooks make a mean breakfast...it is a pleasure to read a guide written by a fellow budget traveler who obviously relished her experiences traversing the British Isles, and who delights in sharing them along with her great money-saving tips. A-one guide

I found this particular guide book to be one of the best I purchased - and I bought a few. It was very accurate and up-to-date on prices, phone numbers, attractions, hours and general information. (Although that was June '96 and I'm sure that "Frommer's Ireland on $60 a Day" is more accurate money-wise.) It really helped me to plan my vacation and I was able to see most of the places I wanted to without wasting time or money. It has a bit for everyone from the pub scene to literary interests and everything in between. I especially like how Frommer's tells you how to get the best value for your dollar but where you should splurge if you can. Hope I run into a few of you when I next go to Ireland!

I used this book for my trip to Ireland and found it very accurate and so informative be it food/b&bs/cars-driving and tourist sights. The tips were great and the whole trip was just smooth sailing due much of this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who might be heading to the Emerald Isle.

I bought this book, and several others, in order to prepare for my first trip to Ireland. It was the only one I should have bought!! The prices were incorrect, but inflation happens. I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a vacation to the Emerald Isle! Don't waste you hard earned money on any other books or maps! Save it for shopping. I spent even less than the $50.00 a day, and had a wonderful time. I saved so much, that I am going back again in a few months!!

I hadn't planned on buying another Paris guidebook, since I've been to Paris twice before, but as I was leafing through the Unofficial Guide to Paris (looking for a particular piece of information), I realized how much information this book contained that was different from other guidebooks. So I broke down and bought it! I really appreciate the perspective of the authors, who have written the book for people who are somewhat price-conscious and perhaps looking for some Parisian experiences that may be slightly off the beaten path. I particularly like the book's organization and the authors' practical insights. I like it when guidebook authors actually offer opinions and don't just list information that may turn out to be a poor choice. Well done!

As a Paris veteran I was pleased to pick up and read an excellent Paris guide written for the everyday traveller. Applefield and Sehlinger have proven to understand the moderate cost traveller more then any other guide book currently on the market. This, and their ability to educate the novice and amuse the Paris regular proves they have written this for everyone. The advice is useful and to the point, while not being from the USA (Canada to be exact) I can appreciate the advice given to the general readers. Very informative and an excellent buy, worth every penny.

This book is full of practical information on everything from planning your trip to cultural customs. It contains just the information a first-time traveller to Paris needs to know, but also has useful information for the more experienced. It is also an entertaining read. By far the best guidebook to Paris I have seen.

This book was invaluable for my first trip to Venice, and I have used it since. I take good care of it because it cannot be replaced. An excellent complement to an all-purpose guidebook, this one covers most of Venice with easy-to-follow walking tours, and pitny cultural comments on the churches, campi, shops, and a few restaurants along the way. My only criticisms are that it doesn't have an index, and that maps are not included, but
it is a wonderful help for Venice.

Venice is the perfect city for walking tours, with a myriad of twisting streets and alleys. This guide provides a series of great walking tours, allowing you to wander at your own pace accompanied by a "paper tour guide". Skip tour packages or local guides, and head out on your own with this guide in hand. My wife and I spent two days in Venice on our own, and basically followed almost every tour in the book. We spoke no Italian, had never been to Venice before, and yet we found our way around the city and discovered quaint squares and tiny cathedrals that most visitors never find. If you like to learn about a city as you explore, but hate following some tour guide leading a herd of fellow travelers, get this book and head out on your own.

I found Frommer's walking tours of Paris invaluable, and the same proved to be true for this Venice book. I was there for eight days, and followed one of these walking tours every day. There was a superb sense of ambling around, seeing Venice in its everyday aspect, usually away from crowds of tourists. The book provided a focus for my walks, eliminating the feeling of wandering around and not knowing exactly where to go, and for me there were many wonderful moments -- lingering by canals, coming upon cats sunning themselves on unbusy walkways, seeing the whole of Venice from the top of the bell tower of San Giorgio. The point became not seeing the sights but soaking up the atmosphere. Using Frommer's (and other) walk books have made a huge difference in the pleasure I take in travel, and I urge all travelers to use them.

This is such an enchanting, smart and magic little book. It has all the elements I look for in a book for the kids I read to. Through it kids can learn about another city (a quite a wonderful one at that), the power of music and the charm and love commen people of a town can provide for each other. I have read a lot of kids books and this one is really, really special.

Candace Fleming's prose sings, and you cannot help but be transported to another place by Gisele Potter's charming illustrations.

The opening lines of this book hooked me: "Ah, Venice. The Piazza San Marco. The Grand Canal. St. Mark's Cathedral." This is the way to inspire a child to look outside his neighborhood! Gabriella's Song is a wonderful, richly textured book about how music is inspired and passed from person to person. My 3-year old, a music lover, enjoyed this book on the first read!