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The publisher says: This Globetrotter Travel Pack to the Greek Islands offers exceptional value for money by combining Guide and Map in a convenient and durable plastic wallet. Each pack comprises the relevant Travel Guide and a full-size Travel Map. The handy Travel Guides are crammed with useful information, travel tips and recommendations for the traveler. Favoring essential and practical travel data over extended essays, their clearly presented, easy-to-carry format is both attractive and practical.

Details:
Title: Greek Islands (5th edition)
Publisher: New Holland Publishers (UK) Ltd.
Pub. date: July 1, 2008
Author: Paul Harcourt Davies
Paperback; 128 pages
List price: $14.95
ISBN-10: 1847730299
ISBN-13: 978-1847730299

The publisher says: Democracy, chaos and drama -- the cornerstones of ancient Greece that still seduce visitors today. Explore the energetic cities of Athens and Thessaloniki, the dramatic landscape of the Peloponnese and the timeless white-washed island villages, and you'll find a modern nation shaped by myths and legends. Immerse yourself in its incredible history and connect with contemporary Greek culture with this best-selling guide. Insider advice to escape the crowds and find your own Greece. Discerning reviews with hand-picked recommendations for the best accommodation and traditional Greek cuisine. Plan ahead with inspirational itineraries and comprehensive transport information. Over 150 maps, including detailed grid reference maps throughout.

Details:
Title: Greece (8th edition)
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Pub. date: March 30, 2008
Author: Paul Hellander
Paperback; 748 pages
List price: $24.99
ISBN-10: 1741046564
ISBN-13: 978-1741046564

The publisher says: This guide is specifically geared to travelers who want to go to Greece for beaches, beautiful weather and island-hopping. Its centerpiece is a feature no other guide offers: a full chapter on cruises, written by one of the cruise industry's leading specialists and featuring candid reviews of each line and tips on how to get the best deals. We'll start you off with a quick overview of Athens, your gateway, before setting off to explore the most beautiful and appealing of Greece's many islands. If you're exploring on your own, you'll rely on us for dozens of detailed island and town maps, complete details on ferries and flights and a wealth of information on accommodations, sightseeing, dining and nightlife. This is the only guide you need to discover the best of the legendary Greek Isles!

Details:
Title: Greek Islands (5th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: Feb. 26, 2008
Authors: Sherry Marker, John S. Bowman, Peter Kerasiotis
Paperback; 512 pages
List price: $21.99
ISBN-10: 0470165391
ISBN-13: 978-0470165393

The publisher says: From the Top 10 ancient sites and statues to the Top 10 restaurants, festivals and seaside excursions -- this book provides the insider knowledge every visitor needs.

Details:
Title: Top 10 Athens
Publisher: DK Publishing
Pub. date: January 21, 2008
Paperback; 160 pages
List price: $12.00
ISBN-10: 0756632331
ISBN-13: 978-0756632335

The publisher says: Whether it's the hedonistic nightlife of Mykonos and Ios, the dramatic caldera of Santorini or cricket in Corfu, there is an island for every style and season. With world-class beaches, a tradition of warm hospitality, great food and a fascinating history, the lure of Greece's stunning archipelagos has never been stronger. Take the guesswork out of finding your perfect island paradise with this best-selling guide. Detailed descriptions of more than 70 Greek islands. Island hop with inspirational itineraries and comprehensive transport information. Enjoy outdoor activities like diving, windsurfing, walking and cycling. Over 100 maps -- so you can go further afield. Plus an in-depth language section.

Details:
Title: Greek Islands (5th edition)
Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications
Pub. date: March 30, 2008
Author: Paul Hellander
Paperback; 508 pages
List price: $22.99
ISBN-10: 174104314X
ISBN-13: 978-1741043143

The publisher says: Greek tourism is still benefiting from the development of facilities and infrastructure from the 2004 Olympics, as well as the introduction of new forms of tourism, such as marine, sports and spa tourism.

Details:
Title: Greece (6th edition)
Publisher: Frommer's
Pub. date: Feb. 11, 2008
Authors: John S. Bowman, Sherry Marker, Peter Kerasiotis
Paperback; 704 pages
List price: $21.99
ISBN-10: 0470165383
ISBN-13: 978-0470165386

NAME the person least likely to have turned blogger, and somewhere near the top of my list would be the rich right-wing Greek hedonist Taki Theodoracopulos. But—a touch of the Huffington effect?— here is Taki's Top Drawer, with a scorching account of the recent fires in Greece, which Taki calls "a tragedy fuelled by greed' and explains thus:

After the war the [Athens] population exploded. It was like the Wild West.
Developers built wherever their fancy took them and the delightful
small city became the most hellish place in Europe. In the summer the
air was unbreathable. So what did the authorities do about it? They
imposed severe restrictions on building around the lungs of the city,
the foothills of Mount Parnis, Mount Pendeli, and Mount Hymettus, all
green and lush forests ... And what did the developers do? That’s an easy
one. Since the 1960’s they have annually set the forests on fire, and
after the land has been denuded of green, have built on it.

It's just that this year the fires got a bit more out of control than usual.

See also, while you're in the neighbourhood, Taki's attack on Britain, explaining why he's "better off in Gstaad". With which the Brits would probably agree.