New York: Monocle Travel Guide (Monocle Travel Guides) Hardcover – Illustrated, 3 Jun. 2015

Monocle, that absurd, pretentious, but always readable travel, design and (unusual) current affairs magazine. This book distills their knowledge (and presumably past articles, features, reviews) into an excellent travel guide. You wouldn't use this as an introductory guide to London, but even as someone who knows London well, I found it full of excellent reviews and new-to-me restaurants and shopping.I particularly liked the section on walks - very well written and presented section; far better than the 'walks' in other books (looking at you, TimeOut).The design of the book is also excellent - lovely layouts, clear sections, and good to see stitching. A lot of thought has gone into the design and production.Definitely the best of Monocle.

The guide includes a selective and eclectic mix of sights, but what is really good in this book are the restaurant, hotel and shop recommendations - maybe no surprise from the design and travel experts at Monocle Magazine. Clearly written by people who have visited, used and appreciated what's on offer, not the intern "desk-research" of so many guide books.

Well written and presented. Series of essays which I look forward to dipping into and a few walks, too. Helpful map at the front which helps to put the various areas of London into perspective. Sections on Retail, Food and Drink, Hotels etc as you'd expect from such a Guide but presented really well. Since bought the New York one, too.

Useful in places, but comes with a healthy dose of Monocle pretension.