The two “History & Guide” series for...

The two “History & Guide” series for “Northern California--Napa to Eureka” by Jack Newcombe and “Virginia” by Tim Mulligan are informative discourses that at times are a bit verbose. The ink sketches are definitive but roughly abstract. The guides have been described as “written the old-fashioned way with a knack for vivid description.” In any case, they’re worth the $9.95 each (Random House).

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“Bed & Breakfast Coast to Coast” by Bernice Chesler lists more than 200 services representing more than 15,000 B&Bs.; Basically, it’s a time-saver collection of generalized information on various accommodations, prices, local attractions, etc., that are available through “agents” within the area you wish to visit (Stephen Greene: $12.95).

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Robert Gambee captures the past and present in more than 430 luxurious color photos in “Nantucket Island.” The vignettes and captions do not interrupt the book’s dramatic visual impact. It’s a pleasing reference of historical note with portraits of buildings, cottages, scenery and life style (W. W. Norton: $29.95).

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It’s a compendium with lots of brilliant color photography and detailed text describing the charms, ambiance and cuisine of 30 elegant establishments. A luxury-loving traveler, willing to spend an extra dollar journeying outside London, will want a copy of “The Historic Country Hotels of England” by Wendy Arnold (Henry Holt: $11.95).

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Thumbing its pages is like stepping back in time to 1934 complete with photos, text and advertisements of that year. “All About Shanghai--A Standard Guidebook” is a reprint that reveals the happenings, hotels, bars, stores, etc., of a city in its prime. A visitor will be able to discover many of the places that still project the old Shanghai (Oxford-New York/Toronto: $8.95).

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“Pousadas of Portugal” and “Poradores of Spain” direct the reader to state-owned lodgings that are set in castles, palaces, convents, mansions and hotels. Sam and Jane Ballard share their firsthand knowledge of availabilities amid historic sights. Thirteen auto itineraries are outlined for seven- to 52-day trips. Either guide provides information on places to stay that have unusual decor, location and background (Harvard Common: $8.95 each).

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“Money-Saving Secrets of Smart Airline Travelers” by Capt. Richard A. Bodner will benefit both the frequent or occasional traveler. Good tips on baggage check-in, parking, tickets, terminology and airlines, plus some smarts about what the advertisements really say (Betterway--White Hall Virginia: $4.95).

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It’s an above-average guide for the Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico areas. However, “Journey to the High Southwest--A Traveler’s Guide” by Robert L. Casey could use some photos instead of lackluster sketches. The introduction states that it’s a photographer’s paradise! In any case, the guide does present good historical descriptions, including briefs on where to stay, eat and shop, plus festivals, events, etc. (Pacific Search: $14.95).

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“Trail of the First Wagons Over the Sierra Nevada” by Charles K. Graydon is an excellent chronicle of what’s left of the original trail. The black-and-white photography realistically captures the challenges of the time. A good percentage of the wagon ruts and carved-out trails are still visible, many of which cross or run close to Interstate 80. The topographical two-color maps are professional and clearly indicate the path of the immigrants on their way to California. It’s $19.95 at bookstores or direct from the Prentice Press, Box 42, Gerald, Mo. 63037 for an extra $2 handling.

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Resident or visitor will find “Florida Atlas and Gazetteer” among the best available. The state is broken down by grids that clearly define most anything a traveler would need to know, i.e., 1,600 gazetteer locations, 2,000 cities and towns, including airports, recreational areas and much more. Its 128 pages measure 11x16 inches and are printed in two colors. It’s $12.95 or for $2 extra (for handling) direct from DeLorme Publishing, U.S. Route 1, P.O. Box 298, Freeport, Me. 04032.