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Best historical guidebook??

Camino2014

Pilgrim
Jan 9, 2013
70
48
Austin, TX, USA
my-camino.tumblr.com
Time of past OR future Camino
Piémont, Frances, Littoral, Norte, Ingles (completed) Baztan, St. Jaume, Portuguese (planned!)
Hello all,

I am unsure whether or not this has been asked previously, but there is no harm in asking again! :D

Anyway, I really want to be immersed in the culture around me while on my Camino next year, and knowing me, I would deeply regret just walking by a major historical area or landmark without realizing it.

So what guide book, regardless of weight, is the best/most in depth when it comes to cultural and historical notes? I have the Brierley guide so I don't need a book with a lot of maps or albergue listings. If I can find a historical/cultural guidebook, it would make my Camino feel much more complete and enriching.

Thanks! Buen camino!
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc

mspath

Veteran Member
Nov 25, 2009
11,264
48,967
France
allmycaminos.blogspot.fr
Time of past OR future Camino
Frances, autumn/winter; 2004, 2005-2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Camino2014 said:
Hello all,

I am unsure whether or not this has been asked previously, but there is no harm in asking again! :D

Anyway, I really want to be immersed in the culture around me while on my Camino next year, and knowing me, I would deeply regret just walking by a major historical area or landmark without realizing it.

So what guide book, regardless of weight, is the best/most in depth when it comes to cultural and historical notes? I have the Brierley guide so I don't need a book with a lot of maps or albergue listings. If I can find a historical/cultural guidebook, it would make my Camino feel much more complete and enriching.

Thanks! Buen camino!

Camino2014,

The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago by David M. Gitilitz and Linda Kay Davidson is a comprehensive artistic and cultural guide to the historic patrimony found along the Camino Frances. It is available through Amazon. >>
http://www.amazon.com/Pilgrimage-Road-S ... 0312254164

For additional book choices see this informative recent Forum thread >> pilgrim-books/topic13974.html

Happy reading and Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith
 

CaminoJohn

Active Member
Feb 25, 2010
156
161
Albuquerque, New Mexico USA
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances 2006,2008,2011; VDLP, Sanabrias (2018)
Ditto Margaret and great news from the American Pilgrims newsletter!

"The classic guidebook The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The
Complete Cultural Handbook is now available as an e-book,
making it available for an electronic tablet and some
phones. Although its primary subject matter is the history
of each area and its art and architecture, it also covers
geology, flora & fauna and provides useful reference guides
to the saints, a historic timeline, and an informative “Arts
of the Road” guide to architectural styles.
David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson
The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural
Handbook
St.Martin’s Press, 2000."
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-

Camino2014

Pilgrim
Jan 9, 2013
70
48
Austin, TX, USA
my-camino.tumblr.com
Time of past OR future Camino
Piémont, Frances, Littoral, Norte, Ingles (completed) Baztan, St. Jaume, Portuguese (planned!)
CaminoJohn said:
Ditto Margaret and great news from the American Pilgrims newsletter!

"The classic guidebook The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The
Complete Cultural Handbook is now available as an e-book,
making it available for an electronic tablet and some
phones. Although its primary subject matter is the history
of each area and its art and architecture, it also covers
geology, flora & fauna and provides useful reference guides
to the saints, a historic timeline, and an informative “Arts
of the Road” guide to architectural styles.
David M. Gitlitz & Linda Kay Davidson
The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago: The Complete Cultural
Handbook
St.Martin’s Press, 2000."

Thank you for this information, CaminoJohn!
I'll certainly be buying the e-book version, as carrying around such a large book is a bit of a scary thought!
 
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