"Combining encyclopedic coverage of destinations with loads of practical information and atlas- type maps, the series illuminates the wonders of nature but emphasizes the peculiarity of a place's people and their folklore." Library Journal

This recently published (1999) guide by Bernd Gruschwitz, cites prices that are more likely to reflect reality than older guides to the islands. Its photography is luscious, professional, and plentiful (145), and above all the pictures truly capture what the islands are all about. The maps are excellent and drawn with three dimensional details, so that mountains and valleys are immediately grasped visually.

The book is 257 pages long, giving it sufficient room to address the important aspects of each of the 7 islands, as well as to present an overview of their collective history, language and customs. I found a number of small errors (calling shrimp "cangrejo" and captioning a picture of dried fish as "marinated rabbit") but this is a first edition which often contains such mistakes. Counterbalancing those small irritants, the book is exaustively informative: for instance it tells about topless and nude bathing, about assistance for people with special needs (electric wheel chair rentals in Tenerife, for example) and about recent exchange rates for currency. The book's advice is always sound and by all means should be followed.

I remain partial to the Lonely Planet guide (it is personable and a fun book), but if I were going to the Canaries for the first time and had to make an absolute choice between this guide and Lonely Planet's, this is the one I would take. The author (a frequent vacationer there) wrote the book in German and then had it translated to English; thus the slightly stiff prose. In all, highly recommended and best to be read and digested while the trip to the Canaries is still in its planning stages.

I happen to know something about the Canaries, the birthplace of my parents and my stamping grounds until I left to attend universities elsewhere. I have read many books about the islands (in lieu of returning there, alas) and I must say that this little volume is a jewel. It is meticulously accurate, historically satisfying, full of intriguing trivia about the islands, and all in the size of a pocket book. It is by no means a "picture book," but a travel book with a few nice pictures thrown in. It is very well researched: are the birds named after the islands, and the islands named after the abundant dogs (canes) the Romans found when they visited? Or did they acquire their name from the Canarii tribe, a Berber group from N. Africa? Who knows, but the book addresses the birds and the dogs and Nelson's right arm. High above London's Trafalgar square is the one-armed statue of Nelson. Any Canary islander will inform you the missing arm was lost on the island of Tenerife, where the Admiral came ashore when he was not welcome.

The book gives you all the necessary addresses, telephone numbers, prices, "do's and dont's," and the etceteras needed for a comfortable and enlightened trip to the islands. D. Simonis uses a clear and concise language without complications, and he leavens it with wit and occasional sarcasm. I hope this type of travel book becomes a model for others. A "must" item if you are to visit the islands.

This is the type of travel book that used to be written by Victorian gentlemen about the exotic places they found as soon as they stepped outside England. It feels more like a long letter from a dear friend than a short guide book; and even though it is 10 years old (published in 1992)it is a wonderful companion to have if you are to visit these islands. It complements well the second edition of "Canary Islands" published by Lonely Planet, which I have also reviewed.

Its point of view is that the traveler should gain and explore the natural pleasures of the islands, in food, in wine, in scenery, in its inhabitants, and in the sheer joy of being there. Ann and Larry Walker run a restaurant in California (or did when they wrote this book) and they cannot shake the laid-back bonhomie that marks people with such a background. Of course, importing laid-back anything to the Canaries is like taking the proverbial coals to Newcastle, for this is the land of the slow, of the meditative, of the "aplatanado," a wonderful word that can be translated as "bananified," but which means to convey the state of being exquisitely beyond the reach of pressures of any kind.

The Canaries consists of 7 inhabited islands, close to the coast of North Africa, and the book takes them one by one, in the order in which they were conquered by Spain. Because each island is so distinctly different from the others, each must be addresses separately. The Walkers write delightful essays about each, telling you where to stay, where to eat and what to do. They hold your hand, as it were, and urge you to look at the night sky in La Palma, or to dip the local fish into the mojo sauces that arrived at your table on the island of Hierro. These are wonderful companions with which to course over all the seven islands.

The book, little as it is, has some spectacular pictures taken by the authors, a section containing local recipes, and fine discussions about the island wines. Can't ask for much more in so small a package.

Informative pocket guide giving history, culture and climate. Sums up 8 different areas of the island listing their highlights. Points of interest can easily be located on the maps provided. Has information on transportation, services and some accommodations. Color-coded tabs allow easy referencing of topics and routes. Great photos. A good source of information and a "must have" while travelling in Tenerife.

We took our first trip to Tenerife in December 2002 and took this book with us. We read the historical information and found that it really helped us to understand Canarian culture and traditions. The sections on cuisine were also quite helpful, as Canarians have a cuisine of their own. Conejo Salmorejo is a local dish that you must try (or Pollo for those who fear rabbit) as well as chilled red wine - Yummy!

Read carefully and plan on following the advice in the book. It won't lead you astray!

This book examines the Canary Islanders in three parts. Firstly, the author compares the physical anthropology of the islanders, particularly in comparison to the ancient inhabitants northwest Africa. Secondly, the prehistoric (i.e. pre-conquest) culture is examined, with a great deal of archaeological evidence considered. And thirdly, the travails that the islanders were subjected to by the French and Iberian invaders of the Fifteenth Century are recounted.

Sadly, the book is written in a dry, academic style. Also, the author begins the book convinced that the original Canary Islanders were northwestern African rebels exiled to the islands by Roman authorities in the Second and Third Centuries, and very little contrary evidence is even mentioned. And, as a third complaint, while the author mentions several ancient references to these "Happy Islands" (e.g. Pliny), he fails to examine them in any detail at all.

However, this book is an absolute goldmine of information on the pre-conquest Canary Islanders, and stands alone in this field. If you are interested in the ancient Canary Islanders, then you must read this book!

The Canary Islands, once believed to be the remains of Atlantis, are a major forum for discussion of cultural and biological evolution. The unusual appearance of the 'native' Canary Islanders (blond, tall, pale eyes) was noted by the Spanish invaders of the 15th century and has been extensively debated for some time.

Mercer's book is essential for a fuller understanding of the inhabitants of the prehistoric (=Prehispanic) Canary Islands. Social, biological and cultural evolution (based on archaeology) are all discussed, in addition to contemporary Spanish writers' commentaries on the prehispanic inhabitants. The geology, geography and natural history of the area is also reviewed.

Mercer is an exceptionally incisive writer, wide ranging in his approach but nonetheless extremely perceptive and rational in his analyses. This book, published in 1980, has not to my knowledge been bettered. Essential reading for both scholars of the Atlantic Island groups and anyone who wishes to look beyond the trashy 'Blackpool in the Sun' image presently suffered by the Canaries.

This book makes me want to travel to the Canary Islands after cancelling one trip for lack of interest, and even venture off Tenerife to try a couple of the other islands. This is a winner. From Accomodations to Youth Hostels (there aren't any at present) and point by point, this is the book to buy. Each island is detailed for you to decide if it's worth a separate trip. Where to go - what to do - eating out - travel tips - and Berlitz"s language aids.

Very interesting and informative. If you are really interested in the people and ethnography of the Canary Islands, this book is worth it!

Insight's City Guides combine stunning photography with literate text and a smattering of basic travel information. The Insight Venice guide is worth adding to your bookshelf, but its practical advice is getting a bit long in the tooth and its heft makes it less than ideal as a take-along guide. - Durant Imboden, Venice for Visitors, http://govenice.miningco.co

I came across this book while browsing Amazon[.com], and it amazed me that there could be a 426 page book devoted to the recipes of the Canaries. The Canaries: beautiful islands off the Atlantic coast of North Africa, impeccable weather, incredible beaches, fantastic people, on and on I could sing the wonders of these islands; but the one thing I could never say is that they have a native cuisine. You eat very well there, of course, but the food is either prepared in the Spanish or the Continental manner. There are a few "ways of doing things" that are typical of the islans, such as cooking "wrinkled potatos" (small potatoes cooked in their skin, which wrinkle) and certainly there are a variety of "mojo" sauces into which you dip your morsels of meat or fish.But a cuisine? There is no native cuisine.

So this book, subtitled "Canary Island Recipes" is mildly deceptive; but have heart. The book itself is very fine and I am glad I got it. After all, some day I may be given some meat from the tail of an alligator, and I will immediately consult the book for the Swedish Alligator Meatballs recipe and go to work. But please note that the closest alligator to the Canaries is probably more than 4,000 miles away.

Very well, people from the Canary Islands settled in Louisiana in the 1770's, and eventually they and their descendants populated the Parish of St. Bernard. In recent years Los Isleños Heritage and Cultural Society of St. Bernard has flourished, made contact with the Canary Islands, and in general blossomed forth with great pride in their distant origins. I suspect that dozens, if not hundreds of residents took on the project of creating a cookbook for sale that would bring some cash with which to fund their cultural projects, and thus this book. The editor states in the introduction: "While the title [of this book] may be misleading, it was not intended to be." Well, OK. There are 800 or so recipes here, and many, perhaps the majority, are unprofessional. The ingredients, more often than not, include frozen, canned, packaged, dehydrated, or otherwise abused food stuff. Exacly what your granny uses, don't kid yourself. I would be remiss if I didn't include a typical recipe from the book (this one contributed by Genelle Armstrong).

YUMMY POTATOES

2 lb bag of frozen hash brown potatoes
16 oz sour cream
1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup onions, chopped fine
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

salt & pepper to taste
2 cups cracker crumbs, crushed
1 stick butter, melted

Mix first 7 ingredients and spoon into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake at 350 until bubbly, then top with cracker crumbs and butter. Return to oven and bake until topping is crispy.

Surely a pre-coronary repast using mainly off the shelf ingredients. This is a people's cookbook, one from (if not for) the heart, as rich and varied as the great state of Louisiana. It has little to do with Canary Island cooking. Count your blessings and enjoy the book.

Well written, lots of details about actually living on one of the islands. She's not a bad writer.