One for the Road – This is Hong Kong

by Kelly Amabile on

This is…only one of several Miroslav Sasek books from his famous series to be reissued in recent years. In 2007, This is Hong Kong and This is Rome were re-released, updated with facts about the cities that are correct for modern day. And over the past few years, the same has been done for the Paris, London, Edinburgh, New York and Venice titles. The Czech author and illustrator is best known for his colorful stories about these great cities of the world, and it is nice to see the collection being shared with a new generation of young readers.

Throughout the late 1950’s and 1960’s, M. Sasek created 18 titles in this award winning series, although he only planned to do three at first. One of these books might be a nice gift for a child getting ready to embark on a city trip for the firs time, or as a fun coffee table book for someone living on one of these places. Although the books were originally intended for children, these travel classics can be enjoyed by wanderers both big and small. Folks who want to learn more about Sasek and the “This is” series can start here, and check out the corresponding films that were also created.

One for the Road: Atlas, Schmatlas

by Kelly Amabile on

The world is pretty good. Yup. And so is this brand new silly book about the place we all call home. I came across this refreshingly different and humorous look at the world while browsing in a Melbourne bookshop the other day, and thought it a perfect title with which to re-launch One for the Road (which has been on hiatus while I was immersed in a temporary life downunder — more to come on that.)

But for now, dear readers, it’s back to the daily book suggestion here at Gadling, and I begin with this creative gem written and illustrated by Berlin-based Craig Robinson, an artist who does wacky things with maps and computer images, among other things. Atlas, Schmatlas is packaged as “A Superior Atlas of the World…with lots of exciting maps and illustrations.” That translates into a witty look at the world, complete with observations like “Kyrgyzstan is the world’s leading exporter of typos.” and “Uruguay’s capital Montevideo is soon to be re-named Montedvd to make it sound less eighties.” Robinson’s punchy sarcasm and signature pixel-style images combine to create a one-of-a-kind guide to the globe. If you’re looking for a clever, unique and alternative atlas to complete your collection, pick up a copy of this 128-page laugher.

One for the Road – China: Chinese Foods

by Kelly Amabile on

As a sidebar to this month’s Chinese Buffet series, throughout August, One for the Road will highlight travel guides, reference books and other recommended reads related to life or travel in China.

Those darling dumplings are just one example of traditional Chinese cuisine. So where do you turn to learn more? There are tons of books that could be mentioned here, but I just picked one title from a bunch I recently looked at from China Books. These guys carry books about all aspects of life in China. This Chinese Foods book is from the Cultural China Series of China Intercontinental Press, and has been translated into English by William W. Wang.

The book contains beautiful images and follows a clean, crisp design. It begins with a chapter on traditional foods native to China and is then followed by a look at foods introduced from other places — like corn and chili peppers. Most of the book is dedicated to traditions, local delicacies, tools of the trade and the Chinese eating experience. There are also sections dedicated to tea and wine. If you’re going to China on a culinary journey, this book might serve as a fine introduction to the history and culture of food throughout the country.

One for the Road – China: A Traveller’s History of China

by Kelly Amabile on

As a sidebar to this month’s Chinese Buffet series, throughout August, One for the Road will highlight travel guides, reference books and other recommended reads related to life or travel in China.

These days it seems as if everyone has written a book about the current (and rapidly changing) state of affairs in China. There is no shortage of titles to choose from. I chose Oracle Bones to read before my departure for the PRC, but then looked for a basic historical overview to gain further background about the country. Again, the options seem endless. So I went with the one that seemed most suitable for me: A Traveller’s History of China from Interlink Books (4th edition, 2006).

This mini-textbook provides a suitable introduction to the country’s history, politics, culture and geography. Author Stephen G. Haw has written a straightforward summary of the origins of Chinese civilization straight through to talk of Taiwan, Hong Kong and the future. Any book that can succinctly squash “two million years of history into 300 pages” should be applauded — and since this one is slanted slightly towards travelers intending to visit China, it’s an excellent title to consider. The index includes a list of all dynasties, chronology of major historical events and an explanation of Chinese characters.

How to take Better Cell Phone Photographs by National Geographic

by Neil Woodburn on

It was only a matter of time before camera phones warranted their own photography books.

First generation camera phones produced horrific photos but improvements have come rapidly and now it’s actually quite difficult to tell the difference between a photograph taken by a regular camera and one shot by a cell phone.

Almost.

Cell phone cameras still need a little extra help to produce a quality image and that’s the idea behind The Camera Phone Book: How to Shoot like a Pro.

The fact that National Geographic has produced this book lends an incredible amount of legitimacy to the cell phone camera. National Geographic has always been the poster child of quality photography and by endorsing what was once a joke amongst serious photographers they have elevated the cell phone camera to a level never thought possible. In fact, the forward of the book claims that it is the “first of its kind to treat these units as genuine cameras instead of novelties.”

But, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Not only does the book provide tips on capturing that perfect cell phone photograph, but it also includes 44 examples of how National Geographic photographers have managed to do so.