Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very useful, January 26, 2000
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.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Solid Phrasebook, September 1, 2004
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.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Passport Companion, August 12, 2002
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.
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