The New York Times. Cultured Traveler. 100 Trips for Curious Minds from Agadir to Yogyakarta - by Barbara Ireland (Hardcover)

About the Book

Wander the halls of Italy's Renaissance libraries, revel in the Sahara's imposing silence as described by Paul Bowles, or stroll the streets of Josephine Baker's Paris. The writers and photographers of The New York Times are your guides to the history, literature, art, and cuisine of 100 fascinating destinations from the Cultured Traveler column.

Book Synopsis

Some travelers dig deep, with a sharp appetite for knowledge and minds wide open to what's old and what's new. In Cultured Traveler, the latest in the travel book collaborations between The New York Times and TASCHEN, these adventurers hum to Mozart in Vienna and tap their toes to dance music in Dar es Salaam. They pursue Hamlet in Elsinore, Picasso on the French Riviera, and Le Corbusier in India. They follow in the footsteps of Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackie Kennedy, and even Jesus.

Through 100 stories of their trips around the globe, talented Times travel writers and photographers invite readers to share in their discoveries. Pack your suitcase with curiosity for a trek to see Buddhist cave art in China or an afternoon of kayaking in Germany's intriguing and idyllic Spreewald. Challenge your senses along with your wits tasting maple syrup in Quebec or octopus snacks at a Japanese baseball game, sniffing the flowers in French perfume country, and sipping Cognac in none other than the place called Cognac.

And, as always, sample each writer's unique point of view. Henry Shukman, poet and teacher of Zen, hikes in England on Europe's oldest road amid a landscape he describes as "elemental, austere, with a kind of monumental elegance." Jason Wilson, the series editor for The Best American Travel Writing, follows the trail of the Stradivarius in fascinating prose, though he confesses, "I do not, in fact, play the violin." The veteran travel writer and author Tony Perrottet, with Sydney's art scene as Exhibit A, sets out to prove that "Australia has a lot more to offer than rampant hedonism and cuddly koalas."

The best travel is both fun and a learning experience. With Times-quality journalism and visuals, illuminating historic photos, and tips on what to read and watch for inspiration, Cultured Traveler gets you in the thick of it.

Review Quotes

"It's always exciting to see how someone else views the country you live in, especially when it's the New York Times. TASCHEN has published a collection of their Cultured Traveler columns... The journalists sense authenticity in corners, objects, and rituals that travelers would otherwise overlook... Atmospheric photographs and niche knowledge or inspiration for travel experiences off the beaten track."-- "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung"

"Time travel: In Cultured Traveler, authors and photographers from the New York Times guide readers through the history, culture, and cuisine of 100 travel destinations."-- "Süddeutsche Zeitung"

"A book to follow in the footsteps of artists, musicians, and luminaries, and to connect with local traditions."-- "Harper's Bazaar Italia"

"The New York Times journalists take their readers on sophisticated trips around the world. Here, you can take an imaginary trip to China and discover Buddhist cave paintings, taste maple syrup in Quebec, cognac in Cognac and much more. Very entertaining."-- "Harper's Bazaar"

"Following in the path of these assembled writers and photographers is an adventure for the mind."-- "Amy Virshup, Travel Editor, The New York Times"