From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
We are planning a fly-drive trip to the USA and we have been looking for information/things to do in places.We initially looked at the Foders books but then stumbled across this book. What a fantastic informative book, the only problem with having this book is we need to book a longer holiday !!!
It is excellent value for money and a must have for fly-drive touring of the USA.

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
We are planning a fly-drive trip to the USA and we have been looking for information/things to do in places.We initially looked at the Foders books but then stumbled across this book. What a fantastic informative book, the only problem with having this book is we need to book a longer holiday !!!
It is excellent value for money and a must have for fly-drive touring of the USA.

pretty good guidebook, 17 Nov 2007
found it much more useful then the time out NYC guidebook. Went to a couple of suggested bars which were fun. the pull out map is particularly useful.
However, NYC is a city you want to get lost in so don't get the guidebook out too often!

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
We are planning a fly-drive trip to the USA and we have been looking for information/things to do in places.We initially looked at the Foders books but then stumbled across this book. What a fantastic informative book, the only problem with having this book is we need to book a longer holiday !!!
It is excellent value for money and a must have for fly-drive touring of the USA.

pretty good guidebook, 17 Nov 2007
found it much more useful then the time out NYC guidebook. Went to a couple of suggested bars which were fun. the pull out map is particularly useful.
However, NYC is a city you want to get lost in so don't get the guidebook out too often!



Delightful book, 07 Sep 2008
This more than just a description of a museum. This is also a journey into the history of the natural sciences and a part biography as well. Well illustarted, Richard Fortey describes an institution that is trying hard (and succeeding if the new Darwin Centre is any guide)to move with the times, make science accesible to the public, yet has more going on behind the scenes than we could ever give credit.

Anyone who lives in or visits London should pay more than one visit to this marvelous place, and thanks to this book they will be well briefed as to what goes and has gone on there.

Marvellous stuff., 18 Mar 2008
Dry Store Room No.1 is a wonderful book that allows the reader an insight into the fascinating world of the Natural History Museum, London. In this book Mr Fortey tells us; not only about the exhibits, but also about the work behind them and the men and women who carried out this work. We learn about all sorts of things from the ghastly stenches of the pit where Whale carcasses are stripped of flesh to the curator who obsessively categorized everything including "string too short for further use".

The science parts can occasionally be a bit hard to understand but like another reviewer I see that as my lack of understanding not Mr Fortey's lack of clarity and besides what would life be if we didn't stretch ourselves once in a while.

I thoroughly recommend this for the sort of person who likes a behind the scenes look at life.

dry store room no.1, 17 Mar 2008
Richard Fortey writes as always with elegance, passion and lucidity that is a plesure to read. if I haave to re-read some of the 'science' it is because I am not a scientist not his lack of clarity. all his books are informative and enlarge our view of the world.


A boring book with an interesting title, 08 Mar 2008
A very boring and tedious book that should have been left on the shelves with the other unseen exhibits.

A joy to read, 08 Mar 2008
Once again, another good book from Fortey. His writing style is completely addictive and difficult to put down - if only he would write more!

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
We are planning a fly-drive trip to the USA and we have been looking for information/things to do in places.We initially looked at the Foders books but then stumbled across this book. What a fantastic informative book, the only problem with having this book is we need to book a longer holiday !!!
It is excellent value for money and a must have for fly-drive touring of the USA.

pretty good guidebook, 17 Nov 2007
found it much more useful then the time out NYC guidebook. Went to a couple of suggested bars which were fun. the pull out map is particularly useful.
However, NYC is a city you want to get lost in so don't get the guidebook out too often!



Delightful book, 07 Sep 2008
This more than just a description of a museum. This is also a journey into the history of the natural sciences and a part biography as well. Well illustarted, Richard Fortey describes an institution that is trying hard (and succeeding if the new Darwin Centre is any guide)to move with the times, make science accesible to the public, yet has more going on behind the scenes than we could ever give credit.

Anyone who lives in or visits London should pay more than one visit to this marvelous place, and thanks to this book they will be well briefed as to what goes and has gone on there.

Marvellous stuff., 18 Mar 2008
Dry Store Room No.1 is a wonderful book that allows the reader an insight into the fascinating world of the Natural History Museum, London. In this book Mr Fortey tells us; not only about the exhibits, but also about the work behind them and the men and women who carried out this work. We learn about all sorts of things from the ghastly stenches of the pit where Whale carcasses are stripped of flesh to the curator who obsessively categorized everything including "string too short for further use".

The science parts can occasionally be a bit hard to understand but like another reviewer I see that as my lack of understanding not Mr Fortey's lack of clarity and besides what would life be if we didn't stretch ourselves once in a while.

I thoroughly recommend this for the sort of person who likes a behind the scenes look at life.

dry store room no.1, 17 Mar 2008
Richard Fortey writes as always with elegance, passion and lucidity that is a plesure to read. if I haave to re-read some of the 'science' it is because I am not a scientist not his lack of clarity. all his books are informative and enlarge our view of the world.


A boring book with an interesting title, 08 Mar 2008
A very boring and tedious book that should have been left on the shelves with the other unseen exhibits.

A joy to read, 08 Mar 2008
Once again, another good book from Fortey. His writing style is completely addictive and difficult to put down - if only he would write more!

Could do better, 12 Oct 2008
We bought this atlas as a replacement for our 1999 AZ version. In comparison, we found it less useful for our purpose (mainly for touring). Particularly annoying is the lack of landscape information (topography, woodland) and the absence of the location of smaller settlements. On the plus side, in comparison with the AZ version, it does separately distinguish National Trust properties from others. However, we did not check out the current AZ version before buying the AA atlas, so it may also do so now. The additional information on satnav references and the location of permenant speed cameras may be useful for more gadget-minded, less law-abiding motorists.

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and the range of data is huge, spanning from spread of diseases to energy use, from prevalence of national disasters to effectiveness of legal systems.

The book is pretty large and an ideal coffee table read. You don't need to be particularly analytical to get a lot from it - just need to be interested in the world. A fantastic new way of looking at the world.

Fantastic, 04 Apr 2008
We are planning a fly-drive trip to the USA and we have been looking for information/things to do in places.We initially looked at the Foders books but then stumbled across this book. What a fantastic informative book, the only problem with having this book is we need to book a longer holiday !!!
It is excellent value for money and a must have for fly-drive touring of the USA.

pretty good guidebook, 17 Nov 2007
found it much more useful then the time out NYC guidebook. Went to a couple of suggested bars which were fun. the pull out map is particularly useful.
However, NYC is a city you want to get lost in so don't get the guidebook out too often!



Delightful book, 07 Sep 2008
This more than just a description of a museum. This is also a journey into the history of the natural sciences and a part biography as well. Well illustarted, Richard Fortey describes an institution that is trying hard (and succeeding if the new Darwin Centre is any guide)to move with the times, make science accesible to the public, yet has more going on behind the scenes than we could ever give credit.

Anyone who lives in or visits London should pay more than one visit to this marvelous place, and thanks to this book they will be well briefed as to what goes and has gone on there.

Marvellous stuff., 18 Mar 2008
Dry Store Room No.1 is a wonderful book that allows the reader an insight into the fascinating world of the Natural History Museum, London. In this book Mr Fortey tells us; not only about the exhibits, but also about the work behind them and the men and women who carried out this work. We learn about all sorts of things from the ghastly stenches of the pit where Whale carcasses are stripped of flesh to the curator who obsessively categorized everything including "string too short for further use".

The science parts can occasionally be a bit hard to understand but like another reviewer I see that as my lack of understanding not Mr Fortey's lack of clarity and besides what would life be if we didn't stretch ourselves once in a while.

I thoroughly recommend this for the sort of person who likes a behind the scenes look at life.

dry store room no.1, 17 Mar 2008
Richard Fortey writes as always with elegance, passion and lucidity that is a plesure to read. if I haave to re-read some of the 'science' it is because I am not a scientist not his lack of clarity. all his books are informative and enlarge our view of the world.


A boring book with an interesting title, 08 Mar 2008
A very boring and tedious book that should have been left on the shelves with the other unseen exhibits.

A joy to read, 08 Mar 2008
Once again, another good book from Fortey. His writing style is completely addictive and difficult to put down - if only he would write more!

Could do better, 12 Oct 2008
We bought this atlas as a replacement for our 1999 AZ version. In comparison, we found it less useful for our purpose (mainly for touring). Particularly annoying is the lack of landscape information (topography, woodland) and the absence of the location of smaller settlements. On the plus side, in comparison with the AZ version, it does separately distinguish National Trust properties from others. However, we did not check out the current AZ version before buying the AA atlas, so it may also do so now. The additional information on satnav references and the location of permenant speed cameras may be useful for more gadget-minded, less law-abiding motorists.

A great idea, but...., 07 Sep 2008
A book of out of the way, out of the ordinary camping is a terrific idea, which is why I bought the book. Many of the sites featured look amazing, and they have all been personally 'road-tested' by the CC crew. So far so very good. However there is a (quite a big in my view) downside in that although there is on the surface a large choice of sites, in reality this amounts to an average of less than four sites in each of the 23 counties/regions represented.

So if you want to use this to plan a trip, rather than take it with you, then its really good and will get you to some really interesting off-the-beaten-track places (and I do intend to try some of them out), but much less use as something you carry around in your panniers or glove compartment. So great for selecting a camp for a week's holiday, but much less useful if you are on tour, the kind where you say 'This looks a nice area, let's find a campsite near here' because (my experience) the nearest one might be 50 miles away (and if you happen to be travelling anywhere near a border - Wales, Scotland -- you'll need to buy another book).

Ideally this approach would suit the 'TripAdvisor' style of online consumer contributions. The CC people do have a site, but is is mainly to sell their books. Nothing wrong in that, this is really good book worth buying provided you know what it does and doesn't do - and nothing to stop someone else setting something up of course (maybe someone already has)

Great revision of this essential camping guide, 31 Jul 2008
Great revision of this essential camping guide. Now it features more
campsites across England (70 rather than the original 40), and some of the
originals have been substituted, not sure why? The photos are still first
class and the expanded 'handy information' gives a neat little overview of
what to do and where to eat & drink we loved a secret little locals pub
right on the beach in Dorset, recommended in the guide. The write-up and
information for the campsites are accurate, and the authors seem to favour
the kind of campsites I prefer - small ones with personality, rather than
the large, static caravan type. All in all another great guide from the
dependable Cool Camping dudes.

Good but missing out information, 28 Jul 2008
This is a well researched book and excellent in many ways. Sadly it's let down by missing out a major piece of information (for lots of people) at each campsite - whether or not dogs are allowed. Actually it does state this for the Fieldhead Site at Edale but neglects it at all the others, simply a weird ommission.

I'm also amazed that there is not one campsite listed along the easterly section between Norfolk and North Yorkshire. A similar thing between the westerly section of Shrewsbury and the Lakes - nothing whatsoever!

There are some beautiful photographs but nothing to say where they are. For instance there's a fantastic view of a magnificent beach in the opening pages (Cornwall) but it doesn't say the name of the beach, this is really frustrating. So it's worth buying the book but be aware that you will need other more books if you want really comprehensive information - especially if you take a pet camping with you.

Great gems, 21 May 2008
This is great! We were camping up around the lake district and it directed us to some superb little-used spots. It also has excellent suggestions for eating/drinking etc near each campsite and/or warnings if there's a bit of a walk. We definitely found a few gems (like the Drunken Duck!). It covers 40 campsites across England (each one gets a page or two, and some lovely photographs so you can see what you're getting) - not a huge amount of choice, but as it says itself it "features a hand-picked selection", and seemingly they visited hundreds of camp sites across England to find this list of 40, and i'd much prefer that to a huge list of ones where you turn up and are disappointed.
Something that i found a huge advantage, but that you might find a disadvantage is that they're NOT looking for "holiday park" type camp grounds - their (and my) idea of hell. so the ones listed here will be beautiful , or quirky, or in a brilliant location ... but they won't have lots of swimming pools and hi-de-hi activities etc.
The only (small) disadvantage is, although the directions to/from the campsites are detailed, it wasn't great with directions to some of the "nearby food/amenites" locations - but it does give phone numbers so you can ring and find out if you want to (i suppose it saved space).

Bottom line - i've just now discovered on Amazon (sorry - i originally bought cool camping : england in a little camping shop!) that there are companion guides to wales etc ... and I'm going straight out to put them in the shopping basket!

Very Cool!, 20 Sep 2007
After many years of Eurocamp holidays in France when our children were younger, we started to think about getting our own tent and heading off to more interesting places here in the UK as well as abroad. We have definitely had our fill of 'holiday camp' sites in France.

I would have to say that the Cool Camping books were what finally tipped us over the edge into getting fully equipped and heading off into the wilds. Talk about inspiration! These books are fantastic (we have the Wales and England books - both of which are great). We selected a great site on Pembrokeshire coast on the basis of Cool Camping's recommendation, and had a wonderful short break at the end of the school holidays.

What we love most about the books is the slightly bohemian, 'green' quirkiness of it all - from small 2-Teepee sites and classic Airflow motorhomes, through to sites at the most beautiful locations in Britain, all with a raw rustic edge that makes getting away from it all in a tent so invigorating compared to any other sort of holiday.

Get inspired - get Cool Camping!

From Cover to Shining Cover, 02 Nov 2008
Having read the three and four star reviews, I had second-thoughts about purchasing 'Stephen Fry in America'. But after purchasing the book on the back of watchin three episodes of the TV programme I was compelled to write a review and it is one of 5 stars, as I'm sure you may be aware of! I can tell you my friends, that this well put together travelogue of a quintessentially Englishman's journey through and into the heart of America is almost definitely a book everyone who 'views' this item on amazon should purchase.
I don't want to slate the former reviews (apart from the 5 star one, great outlook ol' chum) because they're entitled to create their own opinions but they are wrong! To quote Mike D of the Beastie Boys, "I don't speak what I hear, I just say what I know" and this will form the basis of my own review, which I hope will prove informative and may tip the balance in favour of you buying this book. And I am an independent source, I'm not on Stephen Fry's payroll (NB* If he has one, can somebody please get in touch with me).
Firstly, the price of this book, as of 2/10/08 (or to be topical 10/02/08), on Amazon is £9, which is £1 cheaper than the low price of ASDA and Waterstones, is very reasonable especially seeing as it is in hardback and vibrant in colour, and perhaps more central, priceless with in the qualitative and quantitative information it is crammed with.
Fry starts off in Maine, following an interesting and humorous introduction. From the off, one can simply tell that this tale is going to be an insightful and intriguing journey through all 50 states. Fry does not fail to miss out the `little man' which he seems to stress as being so important in the fabric of the American global blanket.
I won't list every single tale from every single encounter in every single tale for I feel it is a story you need to embark upon yourself. But I can tell you he meets one very special Hollywood A-lister, and this isn't even the highlight of the saga!
This very factual and delightfully subjective account avoids falling into that massive cavity of the all-too common `America-bashing', something the man makes clear he is not a fan of. This book is not a fact-by-fact, number-by-number tale but rather an engrossing book which will see you turning the page faster and faster, your fingers will be moving faster than a New York Minute, or faster than a mid-western diner waitress swiftly topping up the `bottomless coffee' of her thirsty patrons.
Stephen Fry, the stand up for America guy! A warming and enlightening tale that is sure to warm up your autumn. Purchase in confidence of owning a great book that I'm sure you will be able to go back to again and again, until Fry embarks upon another such journey, perhaps of England!


A fine milshake of a book: smooth, creamy and satisfying, 28 Oct 2008
Facing the Introduction to this book is a picture of a satisfied "Steve" (Fry's American alter-ego) enjoying a strawberry milkshake in a typical American diner. This sets the tone for what follows.

Fry's Great American Journey is both idiosyncratic and insightful. He present's the country as he finds it: take it or leave it. You be the judge. No doubt some will be disappointed by what is not included, but that is part of the nature of the USA that Fry tries to convey: it is too large and eclectic for anyone (even natives like myself) to get to know all it.

The United States is a giant grab-bag of a nation. Everytime you dip into it you pull out something different: strange, new, old, delightful, appaling or simply intriguing. You cannot stereotype a nation of 300 million people descended from the scrambled cultures of the world and spread over thousands of miles of varying terrain. To his great credit "Stephen" Fry does not attempt to do so. Here is one celebrity travelogue worth reading.

Fascinating, 16 Oct 2008
This is a very positive and upbeat view of America, showing the country at its best.
It would be lovely to see Mr Fry doing a similarly enthusiastic tour of Britain's counties. Come on the BBC, let's see that series next!

Great companion to the TV series, 14 Oct 2008
I loved the first episode of the TV series, but Stephen whipped through the various states with an almost unseemly haste. However, this book more than fills in those gaps - an essential companion.

Room for improvement, 07 Oct 2008
So I found myself in Terminal 5 at Heathrow last week and in the process of getting psyched up for my week long European tour of my companies offices I decided to take Mr Frys book with me as a companion.

And, well, its a rather bitter sweet sort of read, leaving you simultaneously amused but short changed.

You see, the author delights you with a wonderful 7 page prologue, dripping in his trademark whit and informed conversation and you're set for the great mans perspective on all things american.

Except its exactly that same dialogue that is actually missing from this book.

What you get is 5 or 6 pages per state, usually with Mr Fry having some form of meal with "typical" residents of the State in question. It's more Dorling Kindersley visits America than Stephen Fry in America. Delaware barely gets a mention at all (6 paragraphs I think) and in what I suspect is a conspiracy to make you watch the accompanying documentary, the lack of substance makes you think all the best bits have been left out of the book.

This is a very well written book, but there's little of Mr Fry in here. I mean clearly its him, he's in all the pictures, but you dont get the feel that he's the one taking you on the journey. This is a man who could make an entire series about Washington DC alone, it would be revealing and insightful and informative and leave no stone unturned. But that's not the treatment DC gets in this book, so I was feeling a little, cheated.

So my conclusion. This is a well written book, with beautiful photography but I suspect the BBC has restricted the content to make sure we watch the TV show. And for that, I mark this down. There's just not enough room in here for Mr Fry to stretch his wings and thats a damn shame.

Stephen Fry in America

A lot of waffle, 14 Nov 2008
This guide claims to be extreme, but is really rather pedestrian. Making kites, constructing tree houses, building a swing, PLAYING TAG - these are things I did as a kid and my mum didn't so much as bat an eyelid.

I'm quite a fan of Bear but this books smacks of a money-making exercise. Most of the photos are from his TV series "Born Survivor" as well as a few family photo album snaps. In fact, it reads like a partial autobiography.

In addition, his description of "extreme" pursuits like diving, skiing, parachuting, and rafting are superficial and lacking in detail. For instance, in his chapter on scrambling he covers the definition, grading of routes, the gear, and very little else of substance. For someone so accomplished at climbing, a list of top ten scrambles would have been so easy to add.

All in all Grylls, a bit of a lame attempt.

Really interesting book, 07 Oct 2008
This book is brilliant! It uses maps of the world to display data by distorting the physical size of countries according to the relevant data - the result is a very visual feel for the data - much more powerful than figures or words could be. Every page has a global map displaying a different set of data and th