Italian at a Glance: Phrase Book & Dictionary for Travelers (Barron's Languages at a Glance) [Paperback]

Mario Costantino (Author), Heywood Wald (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0812013964 | ISBN-13: 978-0812013962 | Publication Date: August 1992 | Edition: 2nd

A bilingual phrasebook and dictionary for international travelers, with more than 1,500 expressions for getting around in hotels, airports, train stations, restaurants, and other locations. Books have sturdy clear vinyl covers to keep them protected while they're carried around during travels.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Italian

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Barrons Educational Series Inc; 2nd edition (August 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812013964
• ISBN-13: 978-0812013962
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 3.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,521,372 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, January 25, 2000

By 

Jeni P (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Italian at a Glance: Phrase Book & Dictionary for Travelers (Barron's Languages at a Glance) (Paperback)

This book is an excellent resource for travelers in Italy. Not only is it compact enough to carry with you everywhere - at 3.75 x 6 x .5 inches it's small enough to carry in a purse or coat pocket, and if you're traveling really light, the accompanying phrasebook is even smaller, not much bigger than a folded up sheet of letter-sized paper - but it covers nearly every conceivable situation. I used it, along with the companion cassette tape, on my recent first-time trip to Italy and got along fairly well, whether I was buying a train ticket, asking for an all night pharmacy or trying to decipher a menu. In addition to the phrases and a small dictionary, the book also has handy little sidebars on stuff like tipping, sightseeing and selecting Italian wines. Throw in the travel tips, maps, guide to road signs and grammar guide, and this book is an excellent value and well worth the (miniscule) space it will take up in your luggage.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Solid Phrasebook, September 1, 2004

By 

Debbie Lee Wesselmann (the Lehigh Valley, PA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (2008 HOLIDAY TEAM)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Italian At a Glance (At a Glance Foreign Language Phrasebooks) (Paperback)

Let's face it. Phrasebooks are for survival, not for mastering a language during a one week stay, and this pocket size book has served me well. I've been to Italy several times, and, contrary to common belief, not many Italians speak English, particularly in the smaller cities. A phrasebook is a must, and I haven't found one better than the Barron's. It covers emergencies, driving, eating out, sightseeing, clothing, entertaining, shopping, banking, and many more topics. The dictionary in the back covers basic words to assist in communication. The pronunciation guide is first-rate; people were actually able to understand me when I tried the phrases. (Of course, I rarely understood them!)

I particularly appreciated the plastic cover, as my book survived thunderstorms and acted as a coaster at least once. People who already know a romance language will find it easier to pick up these phrases, but anyone with the determination to navigate a foreign country will find it helpful.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Passport Companion, August 12, 2002

By 

Anonymous "tigerjewel" (BROOKLYN, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Italian at a Glance (At a Glance Foreign Language Phrasebooks) (Italian Edition) (Paperback)

I gave this book 5 stars because when I was in Sicily visitng my best friend, it really helped me tremendously. I was fortunate that the staff in Rome and Catania airports spoke English. In the neighboring towns I had to use it frequently. Later on I remembered certain phrases and used it with ease. I couldn't believe that this book was sectioned well with the food descriptions,emergency medical,pharmacy, and in case of auto accidents. At the end of my trip, I was reluctant to give away this book, but she being in the service, I knew she needed it more than me. No sooner than I returned home, I bought a new one for my return trip back. I took this little book everywhere with me along with my passport. I'll be sure to get one for my trip to Paris next year.