Ben Bennetts
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Ten UK National Trails, three Himalaya treks, numerous other smaller long-distance paths. Planning to walk Camino de Santiago in 2015.
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It is too tall for normal cargo pants pockets. I have the weight as 12.25 ounces.
The 2015 guide on Amazon:
- Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 4.8 x 7.8 inches
- Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces
OK, now I'm confused. First, I couldn't find this info on Amazon but that may be a reflection of my search skills. Second, the latest edition is the January 2014 tenth edition. Where are you finding info on the 2015 edition? Third, is the weight of the book (no shipping packaging) 12.25 oz, 11.4 oz or 9.9 oz?
Ben
The great thing about it, is you can tear pages out as you go. By the time you reach Santiago, it's almost nothing.....
What guide book would you recommend "Scruffy1"? BenBrierley is not my favorite but if that's what you want try his guide which is only maps and albergues without added comment
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1844096238/?tag=casaivar02-20
- Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 4.6 x 0.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 5 ounces
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1844096491/?tag=casaivar02-20
It looks like the 2015 edition is a bit shorter and a bit lighter. All weights and sizes on Amazon are somewhat approximate! They often ship in tyvek envelopes, so the ship weight is about the same as the book weight.
The Way of Saint James-The Pilgrim's Practical Guide you can get it from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/8444132985/?tag=casaivar02-20
It won't fit in your pocket but it is the most detailed available in English and is produced by the Spanish.
No! I used the maps-only book once, but missed the historical descriptions even on places I had seen on previous pilgrimages. You may find that you want to skip his personal musings, but many find them entertaining. Distances are as accurate as anyone's, and the guide is updated annually, so is almost as accurate at internet information. He did put the train station in Astorga in the wrong place. His website has printable .pdf updates for errors that are found in the new editions. http://www.caminoguides.com/latest.htmlMaybe I need two books?
Thanks again for all the input. Buen Camino. BenI just completed SJPP to Santiago using Brierely's latest book. I use it for the maps and for booking rooms 1 day ahead of time and it has served me well. No one guide book can be completely up to date or contain everything to please everyone but I found this one provided enough info for me to complete my journey without any issues. If you happen to show up without one, almost every other pilgrim will be carrying one anyways. Enjoy the journey!
The directions and maps, or the philosophy?But we found him to be an idiot.
Really all of the above, but mostly the maps. Found a lot of inaccuracies. Also wanted more info on alternative routes.The directions and maps, or the philosophy?
Ha ha. Yeah, the spiritual/philosophical ramblings he puts in the book are a bit annoying.Not to start a debate, because I know a lot of people like the Brierly's (and to each their own). But we found him to be an idiot. There were certain days where my wife joked she was glad he wasn't present because she'd be tempted to punch him in the gut (she wasnt serious)
@waveprof, what a great pity you chose to share your pejorative opinion on the man rather than your rational observations about the structure, content and accuracy of his guidebook. Your comment might say more about your mental acuity than Brierley's.Not to start a debate, because I know a lot of people like the Brierly's (and to each their own). But we found him to be an idiot. There were certain days where my wife joked she was glad he wasn't present because she'd be tempted to punch him in the gut (she wasnt serious)
If you can afford the two books - buy them. Use the full version for study and note taking and carry the map one to save weight. I have both (but mine are to 2013 editions).The 2015 edition is not yet available but can be pre-ordered. I'll be happy with just the "maps and town plans" lighter edition of Brierley's book but my wife wants a guide book that is more about what to see en route plus has some historical info. Maybe I need two books? Ben
Still, I imagine old man Brierley must be making some serious bank off those book sales $$$$$$$$Must say this strand leaves me a bit bemused and I've been reluctant to post on it. I took the book as a Pilgrim's guide, and the reflections as those of someone with a genuine desire for a deeper meaning in life, and the thought that, in some way, what he himself had experienced might be of help to others. People may or may not agree with his views, or the way he expresses them, but, whatever, surely at the very least he deserves some respect for his conviction?
The amount of historical and archeological information in the guide is mind-boggling, and I simply don't know whether or not this is so readily accessible elsewhere. I admire and respect him for the sheer amount of research and effort involved in this. It needs both dedication and commitment to do something like this.
Part of my own motivation was to look for more compassion, understanding, and tolerance for others, something I'm lacking in. The Camino for me wasn't life-changing or earth shattering in any way, but rather just a long and mostly very wet walk. But there are others who have had a special experience and I hope I can respect and admire them for this.
De Colores
Bogong
My comment was pretty clearly light hearted. And I opened with the fact that he's helped a lot of people. If you must go through life so serious as to take offense to this, then so be it.
Agree 100%.My comment was pretty clearly light hearted. And I opened with the fact that he's helped a lot of people. If you must go through life so serious as to take offense to this, then so be it.
@waveprof, your so-called light heartedness is still really hard to detect. And I go through life with the view that people deserve a modicum of respect. My view is that we don't need the sort of pejorative labelling used in your post in otherwise sensible and rational discussion. Its not about being serious, its about being kind. What was said wasn't kind, and I don't think it was light hearted either.My comment was pretty clearly light hearted. And I opened with the fact that he's helped a lot of people. If you must go through life so serious as to take offense to this, then so be it.
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