Browsing Down the Book Lane

What with the constantly changing economy, international business travelers will discover that everyday sales facts are important, but the style, nuance, tone and etiquette of presentation could be overlooked. To assure the awareness of cultural, social and local customs, including gifts, manners and dress, The Economist Business Traveler’s Guides for “Japan,” “United States,” “Britain” and the “Arabian Peninsula” offer revelations, with detailed attention to economic, industrial and political backgrounds. Even a casual visitor can profit from the general information (Prentice Hall: $17.95).

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For an almost complete selection of availabilities, accommodations and important advice, Fielding’s “People’s Republic of China,” by Ruth Lor Malloy, ($13.95), and “Bermuda and the Bahamas,” by Rachel J. and Walter Christmas, ($7.95), are as described: “. . . should please the most discriminating traveler” (Morrow).

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Rick Steves and John Gottberg’s “Asia Through the Back Door” approaches the area at its own level. It’s not a how-to-dress, where-to-dine-and-dance entry, but an opportunity to discover a warm, relaxed and personable collection of places with temples, mountains, religious items and much more. It’s a whole new insight for only $11.95 (John Muir).

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Collectors of minerals, rocks and fossils could have more fun and potential with the Earth Treasures’ Volume 3 entry, “The Northwestern Quadrant,” by Allan W. Eckert. It directs you to more than 1,000 specific locations for serious diggers or for a vacationer wanting a side trip to a big find. It has lots of excellent maps, site descriptions and specific directions (Harper & Row: $16.95).

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Though reputed to charge a fee to list accommodations, Norman T. Simpson’s publication, “Bed and Breakfast American Style 1988,” does provide a plethora of information on homes, mansions, farmhouses and inns in the United States and parts of Canada (Harper & Row: $10.95).

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Stephen Birnbaum’s travel guides for “Mexico 1988” and “United States” contain an abundance of excellent directions, diversions and facts, including perspectives and getting-ready-to-go advice. They’re succinct, detailed and well organized in an easy-to-follow style (Houghton Mifflin ($12.95 each).