Time Out Milan: The Lakes and Lombardy

As a frequent traveler, used this for a short visit to Milan also scheduled on short notice. Found it very valuable in both pre-trip planning (figuring out layout of city, street maps, metro map, restaurants) and also "on-the-ground" while actually in Milan. Referred to it numerous times during trip - the links from the text to the street maps are excellent. (It's just like your "London A-Z"...plus recommendations.) Much more useful/informative than either Frommer's or (surprisingly) Lonely Planet, which both often lack perspective because of their target traveler-markets. This covered both ends of the spectrum nicely. Consider this as a serious alternative to the more-established travel publishers. Happy trails. (Updated May 2009: Used the latest edition for another trip to Milan, contains excellent updates. Probably the best feedback: Colleagues in Milan found the info very accurate and relevant, so I gave them my copy. Five stars.)