It's been 10 years since the publication of Insight Guides Great Britain 7th Edition. Given the fact of the long interval since its last release, I had reservations of whether or not this latest revision could hold up to the standards of its predecessor in what is considered the most ambitious guide in the series. I am happy to say that it not only met my expectations, but is a delightful read overall. Great Britain, and the UK as a whole, may be an English-speaking country located in Western Europe, but that hasn't stopped it from being a place of inexplicable contradictions befuddling visitors from far and near. Well-known for its humor and tolerance, any American like myself who doesn't appreciate or understand the studied insults of the British may interpret this behavior as abuse. Even some of Britain's closest neighbors are often miffed over such displays of calculated rudeness. These are the kinds of quirks and charms that makes Britain Great. This, and other fascinating aspects of British culture and society are deftly covered in this book. For those who are not familiar with the Insight Guides series, it differs from other travel guides with an

emphasis on providing readers with practical information and general understanding about the intended destination's history, background, culture, and people. These, in addition to the destinations in the "Places" section, are presented through the merging of vivid, colorful photography and magazine style essays expertly written by local writers, a method pioneered by Insight guides in 1970. From the hectic pace of Piccadilly Circus in London to Glasgow's George Square, from the bleak splendor of the Scottish Highlands and Stonehenge to Albert Dock in Liverpool, all important places, sites and attractions are numbered and cross-referenced with full-colored maps. Updated listings of accommodations, places to eat, where to shop, cultural activities, reading suggestions, websites and other useful information are found in the back of the book. With a newly designed look, articles, additional listings, and over 100 new photos, this latest incarnation of Insight Guides Great Britain is a marked improvement while staying true to the spirit and form of previous editions. Also of note is the excellent section on "Shopping Tips". Napoleon once stated that Britain was a nation of shopkeepers. This was a well-known fact, and still holds true even to this day. With over 270,000 shops, Britain is indeed a shopper's paradise. I've been a big fan of Insight Guides ever since I bought my first copy back in 1993, that being Insight Guides Japan 1st. Ed. A lot has changed since then, but Apa Publications' love and dedication to educating and bringing the world to people as exemplified in this wonderful travel enthusiast's companion hasn't. More than just travel guides, Insight Guides are travel/coffee table/history books portably rolled into one.

This one easily makes my short list of books to have while stranded on a deserted island. 5 STARS!

My Ratings Scale are as follows: