This handy volume is the latest in a fast growing series that already covers over 145 places. The authors, both self‐professed Hispanophiles, are to be congratulated for having produced a guide suitable for both the first‐time traveller to Spain as well as for the seasoned aficionado.
As a result of Franco's efforts to secure much‐needed foreign currency for his country in the 1960s, Spain became synonymous with the cheap package holiday, crowded beaches and mediocre restaurants. Alongside the high‐rise hotels and apartment blocks and out of sight of the tourist hotspots, Spain has fortunately succeeded in preserving some of the treasures that it created in the years following Colombus' discovery of the Americas. In its eagerness to secure a share of the packaged trade in beach holidays, Spain allowed much of its hinterland to fall into a sort of time warp. Peasants still shepherd their flocks along dusty tracks at the end of the day and storks still circle effortlessly round church spires little changed since the days of the Conquistadors. It should be remembered, too, that Spain is a large country criss‐crossed by numerous mountain ranges that ensure the traveller a wide diversity of scenery.
With 892 pages of information and maps this guidebook will serve as a handy companion to the traveller who wishes to locate quickly the most important monuments and sights along his or her route. However, there is also adequate information for the traveller wishing to journey at a more leisurely pace and requiring a more detailed description of their surroundings. It will also help the hungry traveller find a place to savour some of Spain's varied traditional cooking at a price to suit his or her pocket and, at the end of the day, a place to rest.
In two introductory chapters the traveller is provided with all necessary information on suggested areas to visit, on travel and health arrangements and local customs and laws. Useful addresses and phone numbers are given, including a number of relevant Web sites. There are seven pages of photographs designed to tempt even the armchair tourist, including the inevitable shepherd and his flock wending their way along the proverbial dusty track.
The main part of the book is divided into a series of sections, each of which covers a separate region. First up is Madrid, which merits a 50‐page section to itself. Each section is liberally provided with useful maps of both the region and important towns. The most important sights are listed with brief historical background and interesting anecdotes. Thus the visitor to Madrid will discover why either the statue Cybele of the statute of Neptune may be boarded up and how this is connected with the respective fortunes of Real and Atletico Madrid football clubs. There is useful information on local customs and events together with recommended restaurants, bars and hotel accommodation. The volume is completed by a list of standard phrases, a useful map of Spain and an index of subjects and places covered.
This is a book to serve both as a travelling companion as well as to plan one's journey from the comfort of home. The dedicated hispanophile cannot fail to be amused by the anecdote of representatives of the Andalucian government virtually kidnapping the elderly General Brenan, author of numerous books on Spain, from a retirement home in London and returning him to his beloved Alpujarras region near Granada.
The present volume deserves a place in the travel section of most libraries. Its price, size and usefulness should also ensure it finds its place in the travel bag along with the ambre solaire and the sunglasses.
