John R. Yamamoto-Wilson wrote:
> Dan Rampel wrote:
>
>>>> As for book suggestions, definitely get her a Lonely Planet Japan
>
> I ranted:
>
>>> What for? It's one of the most lack-lustre guidebooks I've ever seen,
> just
>>> dripping with weary listlessness...like we're supposed to be a
> backpackers'
>>> guidebook, man, blazing the trail where no hippie has been before, man,
> and,
>>> like Japan's just so uncool, man, but what can you do, whine, whine,
> gotta
>>> put on some kind of a show, I mean, jeez, what a sellout, man, but what
> can
>>> you do... Yuck!
>
> Dan replied:
>
>> Really? I must have a different edition than yours.
>
> We probably react to the same thing in different ways. I was put off Lonely
> Planet when I went to New Caledonia and the guidebook was ranting about how
> the French had maltreated the local population, but for pity's sake Lonely
> Planet's *Australian*!! By the book's own admission, the native population
> of New Caledonia has remained at about 200,000 for the last 200 years, and
> there are some 30 flourishing native languages - an infinitely better record
> than Australia can boast, having systematically decimated and ghettoised its
> indigenous inhabitants! (And when there was a referendum in 1998 the
> Kanaks - despite having no great love for the French - voted to remain under
> French control [with some degree of autonomy], rather than be independent.)
>
> On the other hand, as a practical guide it was very useful, and since I'm
> living in Japan, rather than touring, Lonely Planet Japan has never really
> been of any practical use to me, so there's nothing to counterbalance my
> negative reactions. I can't even find my copy to quote the kind of dreary
> entries I objected to - perhaps I chucked it out!

I tend to ignore the editorializing, and since I've found the factoid
side of LP to be pretty accurate, I've stuck with them. OTOH, when I
_have_ read some of their commentary/filler I've found myself saying
"what a bunch of wankers" on more than one occasion, so I certainly
understand your comments. Once I've had a look at a Rough Guide I'll
post more of my deathless prose and give my impressions.

Just noticed the number of 'I's in the above sentence; self-centered
little bugger, aren't I?

Dan