Viennawalks

by J. Sydney Jones

Book Overview

Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (April 15, 1985) Language: English This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0805023852
• ISBN13: 9780805023855
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 334 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 4.7" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great walks for those interested in history

Viennawalks is a substantial book, with four detailed walking tours. It contains some of the basic information, such as transportation, eating, telephone usage, and banking (no hotel or restaurant listings). The main part of the book are guided walks around four parts of the city. The Stones of Vienna takes you through the oldest buildings, including the Jewish quarter; Vienna Gloriosa passes St. Stephen's Cahtedral, Mozart's Apartment, the Old University; Noble Vienna navigates through the Hofburg (Hapsburg's residence); and Fin de Siecle Vienna looks at turn of the century art and architecture (Otto Wagner's designs, including the Karlsplatz subway station, the museum of fine arts and the Secession). The descriptions are rich in history are are quite detailed (60-70 pages per walk). It is very readable and contains a few pictures. If you want to take one or more leisurely walks through Vienna, and have the time to go slowly enough to soak up the information from the book and the sites in front of you, then this book is highly recommended.

A must for those who are serious about exploring Vienna

Viennawalks is simply the best book of its type I have ever read. I first bought it in 1985 and have read it each time before I left for Vienna (at last count, eight!). The author's writing style is unlike any walking tour book you have ever encountered - it reads like a novel. One can tell from the descriptions and antidotes that the author is truly in love with the subject - and it shows! By books end, you feel as though you know the Author. I only wish he would write a volume II that explores the neighborhoods outside of the innerestadt (like Hietzing, Neubau, Spittelburg and Mariahilf). I would be the first in line to buy it. One word of advice to the potential reader - Reading the book before you go is certainly advisable, however, it won't mean a whole lot. But, after your return, you will not be able to put the book down! I have personally worn out 3 copies in the past 14 years! Good reading!