Lonely Planet Jordan and Syria (3rd ed) [Paperback]

Damien Simonis (Author), Hugh Finlay (Author)

Book Description

Series: 3rd ed | Publication Date: February 1997

A detailed travel guide to Jordan and Syria including 40 maps and a series of walking tours around Damascus and Aleppo. The book provides notes on the historical, cultural and political background of the regions as well as a phrase and language section. This third edition includes an updated archaeology section, listing all the main sites and giving tips on "how to get a dig".

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Lonely Planet; 3rd edition (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0864424272
• ISBN-13: 978-0864424273
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,154,344 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Travel > Middle East > Syria
  • #69 in Books > Travel > Middle East > Jordan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Full of useful information, March 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lonely Planet Jordan and Syria (3rd ed) (Paperback)

Some of the world's earliest civilizations thrived in what are now Jordan and Syria, and it is therefore not surprising that hundreds of historical and archaeological sites are to be found in the region. This book offers in-depth coverage of the main sites along with clearly written practical information on everything else travelers need to know about to help them make the most of their visit: historical, cultural, and political notes, a helpful language section, a detailed glossary, maps, photos, and accommodation and restaurant listings. Be sure to read the book before you go, and bring it along with you.

An ideal complement to the above guidebook is Sonia Uvezian's fascinating and highly informative "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen: A Culinary Journey through Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan." This landmark volume should be required reading for anyone who plans to travel to the region or who is simply interested in its history, cooking, and culture.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not recommended, March 2, 2003

By 

Rook Andalus (Venice, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Jordan and Syria (3rd ed) (Paperback)

This book gives the basics on where to stay, where to eat and how to get from point A to point B. The background information on the ancient sites is sparse. For better archeological info (out of a guide book) I'd recommend Mathew Teller's "Jordan-The Rough Guide" over this book. It provides more info on Petra and other ancient sites in Jordan, and focuses all its energies on Jordan alone.

Damien Simonis is one of the authors of this LP edition, and I love his other books, so I don't think the reason this book isn't a good choice has to do with the authors... it is simply because it is a small book dedicating itself to two countries... In fact, the Jordan chapter in this book is simply excerpts from the more thorough LP guide, "Jordan". So if you're going to Jordan and Syria, I'd recommend getting LP Jordan and LP Syria separately... Remember, the whole point of a guide book is simply to help you get the most out of your trip and time... it doesn't mean you can't wander off and find things on your own once your there!! Only a fool would think that way!

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars for the ignorant traveler who wants to remain ignorant, March 24, 2000

By 

Kitty Hawk (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lonely Planet Jordan and Syria (3rd ed) (Paperback)

Yeah, the guide is full of practical information -- the book is after all for people who are afraid of getting lost or discovering anything for themselves -- but when it comes to informing you accurately and knowledgably on archeology, culture and history, it is a real let down. For the cheapest burger in town, buy this guide; but if you want something intelligent and informed, buy a better guidebook.