essential basic guide on cargo ship travel -- needs updating
920741
Verlomme's guide to travel by cargo ship provides the essential details  for those interested in exploring the possibilities of cargo ship travel.  The guide is practical -- including sample itineraries of shipping  companies and their contact details, sections on what to expect and what to  avoid -- and is  organised in a highly useable format.  Having been first  translated from the French in 1995, though written in 1993 and updated in  1994 the fare structures are in need of further updating, but the  consolidation of the contact details of so many shipping  companies in one  location makes the book a valuable reference guide.
2629339
This is the basic source of information on warships. Updated every year and very expensive. It's an exceptional resource and if you NEED a current copy you probably have one. Otherwise...

Here's how to access this information for a lower cost:
- Your library may subscribe
- Post-cold war, there aren't that many changes each year, so copies of 3-5 years old are not totally unreasonable for the hobbiest
- That same library gets rid of old copies
- Older copies sometimes appear in the discount bookstores
- An older copy plus the internet sometimes works for information searches
- Jane's website has some of the info available for free
- Also check the Naval Institute Press guides, some of them cover the same material, often cheaper
456790
Be aware that the cover art shown above may not be what you'll recieve.  There are 2 versions of this edition (released a month apart), and I was sent the other (not shown).  When I contacted Amazon about this (prior to purchase) they were unable to explain the variation.  Happy enough though--I prefer the cover art that I received, and the info within is nearly the same.

The Rough Guide is well organized and pretty thorough on visa/entry requirements.  Pages are thin, but helps with the weight.  Choice of included countries has been commented on by others. If you're looking to do a trip to this area, you shouldnt need a guide book to point you every step of the way (if so, this may not be the trip for you).  That said, the overviews provided are adequate, and more detailed info could be found in each country's individual guide book if needed.

Understanding that it is difficult to provide approximate overland travel times in SEA, I was a bit disappointed with the lack of travel times provided.  Even a "8-13 hours" would be better than nothing.  Ommission are expected in these types of books, varying among the major guides, but I would suggest a close comparison of the Rough Guides and Lonely Planet before making a decision.  Not that this is why you buy a guide, but note to Lonely Planet: Your SEA cover art collage is disgusting and perhaps even disrespectful.

With all guide books, look through a copy before you buy to ensure it has what you're interested in.
2143608
QUICK AND EASY READ FOR THE BEGINNER - NEEDS TO BE UPDATED - OFFERS CE THAT IS ALSO OUTDATED -
3716561
I plan to revise this review after I use it to navigate SE Asia for the next year but so far it looks ideal. I didn't want to carry around full sized books for every one of the 9 or 10 countries I plan to visit. This has been great in helping me plan routes and giving me itinerary ideas, even though I'm sure they will change once I arrive. So far so good but the real test is yet to come.

I was skeptical at first because I was not at all pleased with the South America on a Shoe String when I put it to the test it was practically useless because the info was far to vague and seemed outdated and sometimes just flat out wrong. Hopefully this one will serve a better purpose and be more reliable.
987819
I used this book when I visited Panama in 2010 and it was a good reference.  Even so, I stayed in a large hotel that was not even mentioned in the book because the facility was new.
Things are changing fast in Panama and guide books do go out of date.

There is now a 2013 edition of this book by the same author, available on Amazon.  If past experience is any indication, the new edition should be worth a look.
2890031
I found this book to be a good reference for the neophyte RVer (like me) who's exploring the idea of a RV lifestyle for retirement.  The book was informative on a basic level about many RV topics and outlined several issues to consider before selecting a particular type/class of RV best suited for the full-time or occasional RVer.  However, I found many areas in the book to be somewhat comical when referencing dated material to make a point.  It would be great if the authors updated and printed a new edition with more emphasis of the latest technology currently available to the RV community.
3779904
The picture of the "Blue Guide: The Marche" on Amazon does not match the ISBN number (0393328880) and may be an earlier edition (though the description calls out 2006 as the copyright).  The (as far as I can tell) current edition (2006) is the "Blue Guide: The Marche & San Marino".  There is probably little content difference other than the addition of San Marino.

That said, the book contains most definitely useful information and, as someone else noted, the available travel guides for Le Marche are somewhat scarce.  The author's writing style takes some adjustment and, as noted, to me seems rather wordy.

Following each major section is a "Practical Information" heading listing accommodations of various types, restaurants, cafes, festivals, and local products.  This is certainly useful.

The most major failing of the book from my standpoint is the lack of maps.  There are a few, but inclusion of maps concerning each major section would be most welcome.  You will find that having the TCI 1:200,000 "Umbria e Marche" (or equivalent) map handy will be a bonus.

All told, the book is certainly worth having, but the TCI "The Marche" (ISBN 88-365-4136-4) is an excellent companion.
1597565
Unfortunately my Ports of Call were not covered in this book. The layout of the content was easy to read and follow along. However, I was very disappointed that our Ports were not covered in the book and moreover it was not easy to determine what Ports where covered before I purchased.

Because I collect the guide books of the countries we visit, I kept it.
2263301
The information is dated (1997), but I'm sure 95% of all the info recorded here is still accurate.  I will be using this as my first source of information when I get back out to Puget Sound this summer.  The information is very detailed and will make for an informed and fun journey!
Jake
2501837
Being in the industry for close to 40 years this book offers a knowledge of every aspect of the shipping industry in simple format , this book is a must read for anyone starting in the shipping industry today as well as experienced veterans. This book should be in every Freight Forwarder's, Customs House Brokers, NVOCC, and Exporters office. If you want to import or export this book will provide all the knowledge you require.
2383744
Although a good portion of this book was about the actual ship, and was not what I needed. The actual information on each of the ports was excellent. The travel tips..packing...tipping..taxis etc for each country and the info for transfers to the major sights from the actual cruise terminals will be invaluable.
3251319
This thesis is by two US Merchant Marine Academy graduates from 1972, so obviously the material is dated.  However, the basics of the marine transport of LNG have not changed much in 40 years, so it is an excellent reference book for those seeking to learn about what LNG is, how it was originally transported and how/why
The National Technical Research Center can provide copies
2057936
This is an amazing book....but buyers should note that the most recent edition is 2016. (not 20120  Just be aware that an older version may have accurate information about things that tend to stay the same (ports, landmasses, lighthouses, etc...) but information that is constantly changing (such as locations of wildlife) may not be quite as accurate.....
Also note...this can be purchased on board any Princess Alaskan cruise for $19
4485589
Great data but this needs illustrations and an English translation. Otherwise I found it a great summary on German carrier development.
2972034
I've read several navigation books.  This one is thorough, direct, and very readable.  If you are serious about learning navigation, you may consider following up with "Inland and Coastal Navigation Workbook."  If you purchase the workbook, you will need to get the chart 18465tr from
Starpath Publications:  Starpathpublications.com.  If you really want to get into it, the author also has a blog
4068872
This was a really cool book that gives a good overview of how the Imports took over the Auto industry.  The biggest issue is that the last update of the book was in Nov 2004 so there is almost 5 years that isn't covered.  This should be revised asap since the book talks about this and that will happen by 2010, etc and it turned out to be fairly prophetic. Maybe just an update to the epilogue.