Books: Exquisite writing about fantastic places

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by all the places you’d like to visit that you haven’t an inkling as to how you should start? Are you uncertain of where you should even go, given today’s international political climate?

Readers of “The Conde Nast Traveler Book of Unforgettable Journeys” will get more than they bargained for when they settle in and start their vicarious journeys. Exquisite writing is one thing, but exquisite writers who are writing about exquisite places brings it all to a new level. For example, in Edna O’Brien’s “Haunted by Beau and Beauties,” readers not only get a tour of English markets and inns, but they also get a little English history to boot.

James Truman’s journey to Iran gives the reader a glimpse of the author’s apprehension at touring this ticking time-bomb of a country, mixed with an insatiable desire to explore its Old World versus New World society.

John Julius Norwich takes us on a vivid tour of the Vatican. Pico Iyer recounts his trip to “the loneliest place on Earth,” Iceland. Even one of the newest one of the New Seven Wonders of the World is represented here: the lost city of Petra.

Lest the reader be intimidated by all the overseas destinations, the book also explores Savannah, Ga., and the Everglades in Florida.

Each story is followed by a subchapter that lists various books to read to get to know the destination better, and to better understand how that place has developed into what it is today.

This book can be used a guidebook for future journeys, a launching point for further reading about interesting places or simply as a way to experience new and exciting armchair adventures. For whichever reason, this book is a deeply interesting subject from cover to cover.