Blue Guides: Complete Cultural Guides -- Completely updated, this edition contains superb plans and illustrations of painting, architecture and sculpture, and includes full coverage of several newly opened museums and palaces. Detailed coverage of where to stay and eat. The depth of information and quality of research make this book the best guide for the independent cultural traveller as well as for all students of art history, architecture and Italian culture. Ideal as an on-site guide as well as a desk resource. Illustrations to inform rather than to decorate: maps, diagrams, floor plans, architectural details and photographs -- Often plagiarised by other guide writers, Blue Guides have always been a gold standard for accuracy and depth Daily Telegraph. Guide books in the grand tradition of thoroughness and objectivity Georgia Review.