Herb Lester – författare

On a cold night in January 1961, Bob Dylan arrived in New York. Within hours, he talked his way into an impromptu set at the Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village. Tentative steps soon became giant ones as he evolved from an unscrubbed folkie into the reluctant voice of a generation. Born and raised in Minnesota as Robert Zimmerman, it was only in New York that he completed his transformation into Bob Dylan, during the frenetic period this guide documents. The large format annotated map includes 53 entries including apartments where he'd crash for a few nights, small clubs and bars at which he strummed and sang for change, scenes of first successes, locations of LP cover shoots, and much more. All of it rigorously researched and painstakingly documented on a large format fold-out map.

A guide to getting the most out of Manhattan while on your own. Unencumbered by friends, colleagues or loved ones, the city is yours to enjoy selfishly and without. Whether you like to be alone or make friends, indulge in vices or absorb culture, we have recommendations for you. There are convivial lunch counters in the East Village, shared tables in Chinatown, peaceful walks, private museums, huge bookshops, pizza slices and much more. It's our belief that being alone doesn't mean being lonely, and here are 30 entries which demonstrate that.

Saunas, cozy cafes, modern art, an impeccable design pedigree and even churches with secular appeal - it's no wonder the Finnish capital serves as an introduction to this magical Nordic city, with suggestions for sightseeing, shopping, eating and drinking.

Porto has the look of a city that's had its ups and downs, but its beauty shines through in tile-covered buildings, unaltered shop fronts from decades past and the winding streets that tumble down to the sparkling Douro river. But more than just elegant decay, it's also a city in the ascendant, home to new, young businesses providing a fresh alternative to traditional family-run shops, restaurants and bars. With parks, walks and a beach too, it's no wonder everybody loves Porto.

Liverpool has had its share of good times and bad; today its fortunes are again on the rise, with a new generation of independent shops and businesses bringing fresh energy to the city. This guide selects the bet of Liverpool today - while keeping an eye on its remarkable history, taking in Georgian streets, Victorian pubs and even a sighting of the Fab Four.