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A review by bluepigeon
Rick Steves' London 2014 by Gene Openshaw, Rick Steves
4.0
Rick Steve's London 2014 is a guidebook that is specifically for the American tourist. I wasn't really aware of this (my fault, probably) when I got it before my trip to London. Although I would imagine this would be a negative, it actually made the reading a lot more fun. At times, it was rather comical, the things one has to tell Americans, in case they do not know, like having to pack a passport or what a "civilization" means. Hilarious! So one can say that this book is thorough, in the sense that even the most ignorant tourist with no knowledge of history or art can pick this up and become superficially educated in a matter of hours to achieve a level of understanding that will enable proper, if not deep, appreciation of the things London has to offer. And for those who are well traveled, it will just be an amusing read.
This is not to say that the book is not packed with essential, important, and useful information. It's all there, and more. Rick Steve actually tells you what he thinks is worth seeing and doing and what is just hype. I agreed with most of his judgements, apart from the 16.50-pound tours of St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Tower. It's great to walk around these, but unless you are really into history and architecture (and religion for the former), then there is no need to spend the money and time. He also provides self-guided tours of many sights and museums, which are extremely useful, especially if you are pressed for time. The long historical passages were also fun to read as good refreshers, with plenty of chuckle-worthy writing sprinkled in between.
All in all, this is a good guide with strong opinions and great stories, allowing the reader to learn about the city and to come away with some essential and practical knowledge. Recommended for those who have never been to London, and especially those who have never been outside the USA. Also recommended for those who are pressed for time during their visit or those who do not like to spend too many hours in one museum.
This is not to say that the book is not packed with essential, important, and useful information. It's all there, and more. Rick Steve actually tells you what he thinks is worth seeing and doing and what is just hype. I agreed with most of his judgements, apart from the 16.50-pound tours of St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Tower. It's great to walk around these, but unless you are really into history and architecture (and religion for the former), then there is no need to spend the money and time. He also provides self-guided tours of many sights and museums, which are extremely useful, especially if you are pressed for time. The long historical passages were also fun to read as good refreshers, with plenty of chuckle-worthy writing sprinkled in between.
All in all, this is a good guide with strong opinions and great stories, allowing the reader to learn about the city and to come away with some essential and practical knowledge. Recommended for those who have never been to London, and especially those who have never been outside the USA. Also recommended for those who are pressed for time during their visit or those who do not like to spend too many hours in one museum.