Leafing on Down the Book Lane

For travel information, Steven Birnbaum is recognized as among the top contributors. He maintains that reputation in “Hawaii 1987.” The wealth of data, detail and insight is above average, although it contains no inspirational photos in its 448 pages. For $12.95 the visitor should find the islands more enjoyable with a copy in hand (Houghton Mifflin).

As a year-round reference, the “Desert Valley Palm Springs Safari Guide ‘86/’87” will put the visitor in the right place at the right time to see or do almost everything in that playground and home of celebrities. It’s a blend of informative text, photos and advertising that captures the valley’s life style. When you get there you can get a copy for $5.95 or add 70 cents for handling, and send to Pyramid Press, 870 Research Drive, Suite 11, Palm Springs, Calif. 92262.

Authors Sandra Gustafson and William Poole sampled 400 eateries before compiling “Cheap Eats in Paris.” They direct you to places that feature plain food with touches of French preparation that are neither formal nor trendy. No tinsel or glamour to most of those selected, although they do aim you toward a certain atmosphere. Available for $6.95 (plus 36 cents for California residents) from Cobble & Mickle Books, Box 3521, San Diego, Calif. 92103-0160.

Repeating previous kudos, “it could open a new world of enjoyment to those unaware of the opportunities” best describes “Access to the World--A Travel Guide for the Handicapped” by Louise Weiss. It presents lots of know-how on availabilities, with specific information important for the handicapped and companions who share the challenges (Henry Holt: $12.95).

For starters, “Best Places to Stay in America’s Cities,” edited by Kenneth Hale-Wehmann, is a compilation of 250 places to stay in 40 cities. In detail, it describes accommodations from fair to elegant to fit fat or skinny wallets. A few popular places are overlooked, but the guide would be a natural for reps or out-of-towners (Harvard Common: $9.95).

Considering trying the B&B; experience? The following could provide answers to many accommodations, i.e.: “Country Inns--Lodges and Historic Hotels” for “California” and for “The Midwest and Rocky Mountain States” by Anthony Hitchcock and Jean Lindgen (Burt Franklin: $7.95 each), “B&B; American Style--1987” by Norman T. Simpson (Harper & Row: $10.95) and “B&B; America ‘86/’87--The Great American Guest House Book” by John Taxton (Burt Franklin: $8.95). The guides may help you choose some getaways from the sometimes plastic surroundings of motels, etc.

“The Good Food Guide,” edited by Drew Smith, is among the more complete compendiums with a large selection of dining-out places on the British Isles. It lists 1,000 budget-to-expensive restaurants in detailed descriptions. Anyone who enjoys culinary delights should enjoy just browsing the outlines of the menus and their method of preparation and presentation (Hodder & Stough--David & Charles: $19.95).

Riding the rails can be more fun with these guides noted for their detailed information . . . Ferguson’s “Europe by Eurail” ($8.95) and “Britain by BritRail” ($7.95) and “America by Train ‘86/’87” ($8.95) by Ira Fistell. Train travel offers a leisurely way to discover the many facts and sidelights the authors suggest (Burt Franklin).

One critic aptly describes “The Best of Paris,” by Henri Gault and Christian Millau, as witty, breezy and opinionated. Its information is presented with breathing space between subjects that a sophisticated traveler will appreciate. Shops, restaurants, hotels, bars, museums, et al., are well delineated . . . even the watch-out-for tourist traps. It’s a most satisfying guide (Crown: $14.95).

In the Nov. 2 column the “Light Tackle Fishing Guides to North America” by Richard Swan should have read, published by Clear Water Press.

It’s an intriguing compilation of little-known historical facts that also touch upon daily events of peoples past and present. “Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of South America” by David Hatcher Childress is a textbook presentation that furnishes travelers with in-depth answers useful for planning an exploration into the jungles, mountains and deserts of that exciting land (Adventures Unlimited: $9.95).