Annabel Barber – författare

Fully revised and updated edition of this classic and indispensable Blue Guide to Rome and the Vatican City: its history, monuments, art, architecture and way of life. Rome may be the Eternal City but it is constantly evolving, with exciting archaeological discoveries being made, monuments restored and opened to the public and museums rearranged. The latest developments are all covered in this new edition, which also visits the ruins of Ostia, the port city of ancient Rome, and Tivoli, with its famous gardens, fountains and classical ruins.Series editor Annabel Barber joins as author with Alta Macadam, a long-standing and highly acclaimed writer of Blue Guides to Italy. They are assisted by contributors on special aspects of Roman history, art and the papacy. Background is given on the history and culture of Rome's food and drink, along with some carefully chosen suggestions on where to eat, and practical tips on getting around the city.

Completely updated, this edition contains superb coverage of painting, architecture and sculpture as well as updates on museums including the reorganized Uffizi. Detailed coverage of where to stay and eat. The depth of information and quality of research make this book the best guide for the independent cultural traveller as well as for all students of art history, architecture and Italian culture. Ideal as an on-site guide as well as a desk resource. With maps, plans and photographs.

Following on from Blue Guide Literary Companion Venice, an anthology of excerpts from prose and poetry written in or about Rome, prefaced by brief biographical and contextual notes. Perfect for taking on holiday or as preparatory reading before a visit or as entertainment for lovers of Rome and literature.

The Venice Lido was once one of the most fashionable and glamorous bathing resorts in Europe. Such diverse types as Diaghilev, Coco Chanel and Churchill holidayed there, Thomas Mann used it as his setting for Death in Venice, while Hitler flew in for lunch with Mussolini at the golf club. Faded elegance, comfort and style remain, all a 10 minute vaporetto ride across the lagoon to Venice itself. Set for a revival with major relaunches of some of its main hotels and events venues.

Designed for the traveler who wants to understand more fully what he or she sees. Blue Guides have been published continuously since 1918 and are the most comprehensive travel guides concentrating on history, architecture and art. This guide to Budapest, perhaps the most beautiful of the Central European capitals, covers the city in meticulous detail. The depth of information and quality of research make this book the best guide for the independent cultural traveller. With high-quality maps from Blue Guides' award-winning cartography series, detailed plans, photos and illustrations, and full coverage of places to stay and eat.

‘This country is like a little island, where the people live so happily, as if nothing was wrong with the world...’ When Ralph Brewster wrote those lines, in the summer of 1943, Hungary’s involvement in WWII was still barely felt in Budapest. Less than a year later the Nazis took over. Born an American but given Italian nationality as a child (the ‘Wrong Passport’ of the title) Brewster refused to return ‘home’ to Italy to fight for Mussolini. Instead, he went into hiding in Budapest and his story of life in a country at war, resorting to ever more desperate measures to dodge detection, makes fascinating reading. As Fascists tighten their grip and the Soviets begin their advance, the once-carefree city of coffee houses, concert halls and thermal baths is torn apart and Brewster’s world disintegrates, together with that of his extraordinary cast of characters: the Archimandrite, the art-dealer spy, the cinema impresario, the Jewish philosophy student who refuses to wear the yellow star and the real-life ‘English Patient’.

This easy-to-carry guide includes the city of Udine, with its masterpieces by Tiepolo, and the great Adriatic port of Trieste, on the border of two worlds, the Italian and the Central European. Here too is the charming town of Cividale, with its vestiges of Lombard culture, and Aquileia, a fl ourishing outpost of the Roman Empire and seat of an early Christian patriarchate. Reminders of Venetian rule, of Napoleonic occupation and of bitter fi ghting in the First World War are also to be found in this region of fertile plains, snowy alpine peaks and lively seaside resorts. This is also the home of some of Italy's finest food and wine.

The 19th edition of this accessible, detailed guide to the great metropolis of London is an essential handbook for travellers and residents alike. The focus is on history, art, architecture, the built environment and the historic figures who have made London what it is.Completely updated, this new edition is in full colour, with photographs, superb plans and illustrations, and detailed maps. There is also a section of practical tips, including key places to eat and drink.The depth of information and quality of research make this book the best guide for the independent cultural visitor as well as for all students of art, history and architecture. It is ideal as an on-site guide as well as an armchair or desk resource.