Project Editor: Martha Ellen Zenfell: Editorial Director: Brian Bell

ISBN: 981234943X

The following review was contributed by: NORM GOLDMAN:  Editor of Bookpleasures. CLICK TO VIEW  Norm Goldman's Reviews 

Collaborating with the brilliance of one of the best well-known travel information providers, Discovery Channel, and calling upon the expertise of travel writers and local residents, Insight Guides California, has delivered to its readers an indispensable companion for anyone intending to visit this beautiful state.

The book focuses on the history of California, the main places to visit, and its people and culture. In addition, considerable ink is devoted to having a more insightful understanding of specific and unique venues or events such as the state’s missions, its fine wines, the earthquakes and disasters that have affected the state, the San Francisco Cable Cars, Hearst Castle and the Getty Center.

Conveniently divided, each chapter of the guide presents a detailed journey or tour of a specific topic or location. Consequently, readers are able to develop a feeling of the areas being discussed. For example, readers who are unfamiliar with the history of California, there is a comprehensive history timeline, as well as detailed chapters devoted to Native Tribes and Europeans, pre-statehood days, the gold rush, the boom and bust years, and the important events of the twentieth century that had a profound impact on the state. As for the state’s cultural diversity, readers learn about the different ethnic groups making up its population, the distinct California cuisine, and the film industry.

Moreover, the editors not only have concentrated on the various geographical areas of the state, but they also impart interesting information about many of its principal cities such as Los Angles, San Francisco, Palm Springs, San Jose, Santa Barbara and others.

For example, readers are provided with a color map of San Francisco, as well as succinct tidbits pertaining to various sections of the city, Union Square to Nob Hill, Market Street to the Financial District, Japan Town, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park and other interesting areas.  Did you know that Ghirardelli Square was built as a wool mill during the Civil War era and later became a chocolate factory?

As for the chapters pertaining to the great outdoors of California, the guide reflects through its many photo images and descriptions the observations of Leonardo DaVinci, when he commented about nature: “although human subtlety makes a variety of inventions by different means to the same end, it will never devise an invention more beautiful, more simple, or more direct than does nature, because in her inventions nothing is lacking, and nothing is superfluous.”

We learn about the state’s deserts, rivers, lakes, mountains, canyons and valleys, the Mohave, the coastline, and other of its wonders of nature.

After reading this guide, one is sure to place California on a “must visit” list. Insight Guides California is a welcome addition to the many books devoted to California, and will also prove to be beneficial to those who are armchair travelers searching for more information about the state.