Lonely Planet Canary Islands

I happen to know something about the Canaries, the birthplace of my parents and my stamping grounds until I left to attend universities elsewhere. I have read many books about the islands (in lieu of returning there, alas) and I must say that this little volume is a jewel. It is meticulously accurate, historically satisfying, full of intriguing trivia about the islands, and all in the size of a pocket book. It is by no means a "picture book," but a travel book with a few nice pictures thrown in. It is very well researched: are the birds named after the islands, and the islands named after the abundant dogs (canes) the Romans found when they visited? Or did they acquire their name from the Canarii tribe, a Berber group from N. Africa? Who knows, but the book addresses the birds and the dogs and Nelson's right arm. High above London's Trafalgar square is the one-armed statue of Nelson. Any Canary islander will inform you the missing arm was lost on the island of Tenerife, where the Admiral came ashore when he was not welcome.The book gives you all the necessary addresses, telephone numbers, prices, "do's and dont's," and the etceteras needed for a comfortable and enlightened trip to the islands. D. Simonis uses a clear and concise language without complications, and he leavens it with wit and occasional sarcasm. I hope this type of travel book becomes a model for others. A "must" item if you are to visit the islands.