South American Handbook 2008

Series details

£19.99

Footprint's 2008 edition of their superb "South American Handbook" covers: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador & the Galápagos, Guianas, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Below is a brief history of its long life:

It was 1921, Ireland had just been partitioned, the miners were striking for more pay and the federation of British Industry had an idea. As exports were booming in South America; how about creating a handbook for businessmen trading in that far away continent? The Anglo-South American Handbook was born that year. Two editions later the book was 'privatised' and in 1924, in the hands of the Royal Mail, the steamship company for South America, it became the South American Handbook, subtitled South America in a Nutshell.

In the early days, travel was by sea and the Handbook gave all the details needed for the long voyage from Europe, including a full account of the journey from Liverpool up the Amazon to Manaus, some 5,898 miles without changing cabin. It also imparted such invaluable advice as to 'pack a good saddle and a set of starched collars'.

As the jet aircraft transformed travel and backpacking trails began to develop in South America, the Handbook continued to be published annually, winning new fans, including the novelist Graham Greene, who simply addressed his updates to 'The publishers of the best travel guide in the world, Bath, England'. Having survived wars, earthquakes and more military coups than seems credible, the Handbook remains the undisputed authority on the continent. So much so that when it once misnamed an island on the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, everyone automatically assumed it was right and a new island was born.

About this series:
Much respected and long-standing series of comprehensive guides, renowned for their accuracy and reliability. Some titles in this series are updated annually. These guides cover everything the independent traveller needs to know when planning a trip. Eminently practical with good, concise background information. Lots of simple black & white town plans, colour country mapping and very clear layout.