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Let’s say it at once. David Hampshire’s Living and Working in France is the best handbook ever produced for visitors and foreign residents in this country. It is Hampshire’s meticulous detail which lifts his work way beyond the range of other books with similar titles. This book is absolutely indispensable. (Riviera Reporter)


"This must be one of the most comprehensive books written for people considering uprooting themselves and settling in another country." (Anglo-French Society)


"An excellent introduction to fully enjoy all that this fine country has to offer and to save time and money in the process." (American Club of Zurich)


I thought I knew London but perhaps not. Having lived here for a dozen years I should do, but I hadn't heard of many of the places in this book let alone been there. So we're working our way through them by region. It helps that it fits in a pocket and isn't too heavy, but it's packed with info and interesting anecdotes. We highly recommend it. (Helstar, Amazon)


London's secret walks takes you on guide filled journey around one of the greatest cities in the world. With stunning photography and an eye catching cover, this is a must have book for anyone who wants to discover the true London. (ukphnx, Amazon)


Great guide simple layout with maps identifying the locations of London gems are by area a must have guide if you live or are visiting London. (Mr Gordon Wilson, Amazon)


"Cornwall, one of the Britain's most attractive locations, well deserves a book that compliments its beauty. This is the book! It's 96 full colour pages crammed with superbly drawn sketches accompanied with stacks of information on 44 of the ports and villages scattered along its rugged coastline. Travelling from Boscastle in the North to Polperro in its most South-Eastern corner, it takes in such picturesque spots as Port Isaac, St. Agnes, St. Ives, Mousehole, Porthleven, Lizard and Mevagissey, as well the bigger towns of Penzance, Falmouth and Truro, pinpointing historic landmarks and buildings, hidden coves and picturesque walks - as well as noting some of the county's most famed citizens, including the fictional Doc Martin (Port Isaac) and authoress Daphne du Maurier (Helford).

            As its' creator (notes and sketches), Jim Watson hopes that the book will "inform and entertain". It well achieves that purpose and, as a regular visitor to the county, I'll add that he superbly conjures up the spirit of the land and its people. The book is not only a loving testament to the area but also a most useful tour guide, aided by equally well drawn maps, for those making their first journey into the most westerly region of the West Country. Plus the appendix offers a few pointers on aspects of Cornwall - headed, of course, by its famous pasty. Great value for money as author Watson must have spent incalculable hours drawing and detailing the invaluable information." (Tony Byworth, Amazon)


"Covers every conceivable question that might be asked concerning everyday life. I know of no other book that could take the place of this one." (France in Print)


London's Hidden Secrets isn't intended for the "It's Tuesday, so it must be London" type tourist, but for those of us looking for the quirky, surprising, and wonderful this book is a gem. I thought I knew our capital city pretty well, but looking through the index there are dozens of trips to palaces, caves, gardens and interesting places that I've never even heard of and can't wait to see.

            The layout and text is crisp and easy to read even while travelling, the At a Glance panel is helpful, and the book is small enough to pop into a pocket. I liked the great photos and the easy reference maps - in fact I liked everything. (Antikdragon, Amazon)


When you buy a model plane for your child, a video recorder, or some new computer gizmo, you get with it a leaflet or booklet pleading ‘Read Me First’, or bearing large friendly letters or bold type saying ‘IMPORTANT ? follow the instructions carefully’. This book should be similarly supplied to all those entering France with anything more durable than a 5?day return ticket. – It is worth reading even if you are just visiting briefly, or if you have lived here for years and feel totally knowledgeable and secure. But if you need to find out how France works then it is indispensable. Native French people probably have a less thorough understanding of how their country functions. Where it is most essential, the book is most up to the minute. (Living France magazine)


"Almost everything imaginable for foreigners living in France is contained in this book." (American Citizens Abroad)


"Living and Working in Britain is a fantastic book and is invaluable for anyone moving to Britain or even spending a holiday here." (Brigite Lorent, reader)


The ultimate reference book. Every conceivable subject imaginable is exhaustively explained in simple terms. An excellent introduction to fully enjoy all that this fine country has to offer and save time and money in the process. (American Club of Zurich)


"In a word, if you're planning to move to the USA or go there for a long-term stay, then buy this book for general reading and as a ready-reference." (American Citizens Abroad)


"This lively sketchbook of London keeps you interested throughout. A human take of our wonderful capital makes you want to re-visit immediately, with book in hand ! the drawings are attractive and accurate. Well done, Jim Watson!" (Jan, Amazon)


I found this a wonderful book crammed with facts and figures, with a straightforward approach to the problems and pitfalls you are likely to encounter. The whole laced with humour and a thorough understanding of what's involved. Gets my vote! (Reader)


I recently purchased this book with a view of moving out to Oz, all the information that I have gleaned from this admiral title has helped me make up my mind to make a trip out to see if the country is as inviting as I feel it is from the concise info in this book, Thank you to David Hampshire for all his research which has saved endless hours of internet searching. (R. Bruce-Kidman, Amazon)


If you need to find out how France works then this book is indispensable. Native French people probably have a less thorough understanding of how their country functions. (Living France)


I bought this on a whim as I had a few days to waste and didn’t want to do the 'usual' touristy things again. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to do something a bit different at their own pace. It’s full of great info on places you would normally just walk by without a second thought, it’s well written and the watering holes mentioned that I tried were just great. (Baldrecordman, Amazon)


"Highly recommended for anyone moving to the UK." (American Citizens Abroad)


In answer to the desert island question about the one how?to book on France, this book would be it. (The Recorder, France)


When I moved to Britain in 2001, I bought the edition of this book available at the time and it was a brilliant resource. I bought it several months before moving, read through it all the way, and then after I'd moved used it as a reference book to use most days for the first 1-2 years. It contains valuable information that many a native Brit won't think of teaching you because it's all 'normal' to them. (Jo, Amazon)


I cannot recommend this book highly enough for anyone contemplating a move to Switzerland. I'm living in Switzerland, and this book is the de facto bible for all expats here. Every time I meet other expats here, they ask me if I have this book! It contains accurate, concise information about all aspects of moving to Switzerland: logistics, finances, culture, etc. (A. Customer, Amazon)


A must for all future ex-pats. Deals with every aspect of moving to Spain. I invested in several books but this is the only one you need. Every issue and concern is covered, every daft question you have on Spain but are frightened to ask is answered honestly without pulling any punches. Highly recommended..... (kirksnr@aol.com, Amazon)


Having recently located from one capital city (London) to another (Ottawa) I can thoroughly recommend this guide to anybody contemplating a similar move. So far (three weeks in Canada and counting) I have not found a topic that I needed advice on that this book could not answer. In fact, I have frequently found that I am perhaps better informed than some of the resident population! The book's style is open and engaging, and where differences between provinces exist they are outlined accurately and succinctly. My only, minor, criticism is that the indexing could be better, but not by much. If you combine this book with one of the better tourist guides I can't see that there would be much you aren't prepared for. (J.B. Chapman, Amazon)


The amount of information covered is not short of incredible. I thought I knew enough about my birth country. This book has proved me wrong. Don't go to France without it. Big mistake if you do. Absolutely priceless! (Reader)


I have been travelling to Spain for more than seven years and thought I knew everything - David has done his homework well - Excellent book and very informative! Buy it! (Daniel Ficano, Amazon)


Rarely has a ‘survival guide’ contained such useful advice – This book dispels doubts for first?time travellers, yet is also useful for seasoned globetrotters – In a word, if you’re planning to move to the US or go there for a long?term stay, then buy this book both for general reading and as a ready?reference. (American Citizens Abroad)


It’s everything you always wanted to ask but didn’t for fear of the contemptuous put down – The best English?language guide – Its pages are stuffed with practical information on everyday subjects and are designed to complement the traditional guidebook. (Swiss News)


Although I have not yet moved to London I have plans to do so in the near future. This book goes through all the steps of finding a place to live, finding work, choosing a school for your children, and how to get around the city. Especially helpful is the section in the book that describes in detail the different areas in London including information on housing costs, crime rates, schools etc. This book really is a survival handbook and I expect that I will be more confident in moving to London after reading this book. (Reader. Amazon)


The book leads you on 25 walks around different parts of London. For each walk, we are first given a map with the walk drawn on, then basic info on the distance and broad approximate time it will take (generally half-day or full-day), as well as the nearest tube or train stations to the start and end points. Following this, there is a bit of general history about the area. Then the walk starts, with detailed information over several pages, explaining where to walk, what you will see, including information and history along the way, as well as suggestions for places to stop off. There are also several photographs for each walk, showing some of the sights along the way.

            This book would be an excellent companion for anyone wanting to explore London by foot, either alone, or in a group. It would particularly suit those who enjoy learning a lot about what they are seeing. The hardest thing would be deciding which one of the 25 walks to pick first! The amount of information for each walk could be too much for some people as it does go into quite a lot of detail, but if that's the case, you could just follow the map at the start of each walk, and then refer to any points of interest in the text as and when you wanted to - they are numbered on the map, so you can easily find them within the text.

            A definite recommendation for anyone wanting to explore London in a different, and very educational, way! (Vanessa-Jane Chapman, Amazon)