Darjeeling Revisited

This is not a travel guide in the strictest sense of the word. But Darjeeling Revisited does a great job of introducing the hill station and its rich history with a series of book excerpts and articles by old Darjeeling hands. That the text is not weighed down by a predominance of historical references is an achievement in itself—for most guides, especially those produced by government bodies or hoteliers (like this one) equate opacity of text with gravity. What also provides relief here is a generous helping of nostalgia and trivia (did you know, for instance, that Vivien Leigh of Gone with the Wind fame was born in the town’s sanatorium?). There’s also a cache of archival images, some dating back to the turn of the twentieth century. The production quality of the book doesn’t quite match the quality of the content, but still, it’s a pity one can’t buy it off the shelf. Those interested in acquiring a copy, mail adhikari_shona@yahoo.com.

The New York Times: 36 Hours, 125 Weekends in Europe
Taschen America, $22.85/640pp

Just the combination of Taschen and The New York Times is enough to send all expectations through the roof; even if it is but an updated and expanded version of a guide on whirlwind tours in Europe. Over and above the truncated itineraries that feature both classic and off-beat ideas (a hotel in Tallinn with an ex-KGB spy den on the penthouse, for instance), the guide lists over 400 hotels and 500 restaurants. Add to that a wide selection of photos from the archives of The New York Times, city maps and Milanese artist Olimpia Zagnoli’s graphic illustrations and there’s just as much to look at in 36 Hours as there is to read.