“Sea Room: An Island Life in the Hebrides”
(North Point Press, $27)
It’s probably safe to say that most people have never heard of the Shiants–three islands in the Hebrides located just east of the Isle of Lewis off the Scottish mainland. Adam Nicolson has owned them for the last 20 years–a birthday gift from his father. And as he prepares to give them to his own son for his 21st birthday, he has written this lovely elegy to his beloved islands. Of course, he “owns” them in the literal sense only, for as an Englishman–even one who knows every inch of the land–he will always be considered an outsider, an alien, in the Hebridean world. He makes light of his English heritage, being fully aware of the difficulties between the two nations over the centuries. But that is only a part of the story. “Sea Room” is really a biography of a place–nature and travel writing at its finest–and a marvelously rich account of the history and geology of the islands. Deeply personal, it is also full of poetic rhapsody. Nicolson is a bewitching writer. He is clearly in love with these islands and he marvels at his own role, however small, in their long history. What does it mean for one person to own 500 acres of rock? “The place has entered me,” Nicolson writes. “It has coloured my life like a stain.” He now wants to share his story with the rest of the world. “Sea Room” is his revelatory attempt to do just that. (ISBN: 0-86547-636-5)
“Summer Light: A Walk Across Norway”
(Lonely Planet, $12.99)
Norway is the land of endless summer, when the distinction between night and day becomes blurred and life almost is reduced to a dreamlike state. In “Summer Light,” Lonely Planet’s latest release in its excellent Journeys series, Canadian author Andrew Stevenson describes his travels across the vast Norwegian landscape: mostly on foot and by bicycle, with occasional forays by train. As with all the Journeys titles, you get more than you bargained for. Stevenson doesn’t just describe luminous valleys and snow-capped peaks and even a visit north of the Arctic Circle–although that is a big part of the book’s appeal–he also offers his own comments and observations, offering insights and reflections on Norwegian society that add immeasurably to the reader’s enjoyment and understanding. “Nowhere else have I experienced such a profound feeling of equality between men and women as I did living here in Norway,” writes Stevenson. For anyone considering a visit to Norway, do yourself a favor. Take along a copy of “Summer Light.” (ISBN: 1-86450-347-5)
Specialty travel
“Stonehenge”
(Walker & Company, $10)
This tiny volume–only 58 pages–is the latest in Walker & Company’s Wooden Books series, which consists of concise introductions to “timeless sciences and ancient wisdom.” Mathematician and engineer Robin Heath attempts to unravel the continuing mystery that is Stonehenge. The ancient stone monument on Salisbury Plain attracts almost one million visitors a year and is considered Britain’s most popular tourist attraction, as well as a World Heritage site. Elegantly designed and illustrated with engravings from rare books and artwork by the author himself, it discusses many aspects of the famous stones, including who built it, for what purpose and how the stones were erected. Heath also comments on the considerable effect Stonehenge has had on writers, artists and poets over the years, ranging from novelist Henry James to painter Joseph Turner to, more recently, Arthur C. Clarke, whose black monolith in “2001: A Space Odyssey” evokes the image of the stones. A good book to take with you on your next visit to the monument. (ISBN: 0-8027-1385-8)
“Speed Dreams: A Guide to America’s 23 NASCAR Tracks”
(Citadel Press/Kensington, $26.95)
Racing fans are a breed apart. They take their sport very seriously. But, like everyone else, they want to have a bit of fun in the process. Author Jay Ahuja knows this better than anyone. In “Speed Dreams,” he describes short tracks, speedways and road courses in every American city that hosts the NASCAR Winston Cup series, from Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tenn., to Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., to Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, N.Y. Each selection includes a history of the track, what to see and do, where to eat and where to stay. For racing fans with a desire to travel, “Speed Dreams” is a dream come true. Rev up your engines. (ISBN: 0-8065-2243-7)
Guidebooks
“Las Vegas”
(Avant Guide, $19.95)
No doubt about it, Avant Guide will never be confused with Fodor’s, Frommer’s or any of the other mainstream series on the travel market. It may have something to do with the intentionally garish in-your-face covers, the spirited writing and the idiosyncratic opinions. The “Las Vegas” title is no exception. Indeed, as befitting its rowdy subject matter, it is appropriately wild and as entertaining as ever, with plenty of advice on where to play, dine, drink and shop in “Sin City.” Fun and never boring, but hardly for the timid at heart. (ISBN: 1-891603-15-9)
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The Chicago Tribune Travel section does not sell any of the items mentioned in the Resourceful Traveler column. At the end of each item reviewed, phone numbers and Web sites are listed for those who want more information or wish to purchase the item. At the end of each book review, an ISBN code appears. Anyone wishing to purchase a book may provide their local bookstore with the ISBN, which helps booksellers locate titles in stock or place them on order.
