Lonely Planet provides full-service guides in a candid, compact style, and that"s what David Ellis"s Lonely Planet New York City guide delivers, attending diligently to every topic any New York visitor might possibly need or desire. For the New York novice, there are all the elementary details, such as tourist offices, embassies, money, post offices, electricity, laundry, where to get maps, and primary radio frequencies. Resources are listed for gay and lesbian travelers, as well as for women, seniors, disabled travelers, and families traveling with children. Special events are enumerated, plus good New York Web sites and where to turn in case of emergencies. And that"s just one small section of the book. There are also chapters on New York history, climate, geography, and politics; practical details on getting there by air, bus, train, car, motorcycle, boat, and hitchhiking; and getting around the city by subway, bus, taxi, car, and bicycle. Then comes the heart of the guide, with comprehensive attention to what there is to see and do in Manhattan"s many neighborhoods and outer boroughs; where to stay, eat, and shop; all manner of entertainment, from horse racing and hockey to dance clubs, opera, and bars; as well as an assortment of excursions throughout Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and New Jersey. With an architectural glossary, an extensive index, and an excellent collection of maps, this guide is a thorough New York resource. --Stephanie Gold