The Rough Guide to Syria

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book with lots of information
Review: Excellent guide. It starts with a section about health, visa, currency, local transport, etc. The actual guide is a 'walkthrough', like: "When you exit the mosque, you will see on your left..." It contains maps of major cities, covering restaurants and hotels too (with price indication!) Detailled maps for places of interest. Background info on persons, political issues and history.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book with lots of information
Review: Excellent guide. It starts with a section about health, visa, currency, local transport, etc. The actual guide is a 'walkthrough', like: "When you exit the mosque, you will see on your left..." It contains maps of major cities, covering restaurants and hotels too (with price indication!) Detailled maps for places of interest. Background info on persons, political issues and history.

Rating:
Summary: Criticism of this Book as Culturally Insensitive is Off-Base
Review: I feel compelled to correct the unsubstantiated & unreasonable claim in another review that the authors of this guide have in any way disparaged the Syrian people or their culture. This is a quite useful book in almost all respects (chock full of maps, even for many out-of-the-way destinations). Typical of this guide's attitude: "Remember that most Syrians are unfailingly honest and courteous, and you shouldn't let a cautious outlook spoil your trip, or be tempted to read anything sinister into the genuine offers of hospitality you receive." The Rough Guide to Syria has been put together with a lot of care, and while it may not be the ne plus ultra, it is reliable, informative, and particularly strong in giving significant coverage to places throughout Syria.

Rating:
Summary: Criticism of this Book as Culturally Insensitive is Off-Base
Review: I feel compelled to correct the unsubstantiated & unreasonable claim in another review that the authors of this guide have in any way disparaged the Syrian people or their culture. This is a quite useful book in almost all respects (chock full of maps, even for many out-of-the-way destinations). Typical of this guide's attitude: "Remember that most Syrians are unfailingly honest and courteous, and you shouldn't let a cautious outlook spoil your trip, or be tempted to read anything sinister into the genuine offers of hospitality you receive." The Rough Guide to Syria has been put together with a lot of care, and while it may not be the ne plus ultra, it is reliable, informative, and particularly strong in giving significant coverage to places throughout Syria.

Rating:
Summary: Rough guide shows cultural insensitivity
Review: I found the book very discouraging, and almost cancelled my trip altogether. The book does give useful information about archeological sights and how to get there. It is, however, full of misleading information about Syrian women, so-called cultural taboos, and why Syrians do certain things. The overall tone of the book is negative and condescending. I would certainly not recommend it if you are looking for positive cultural type information.