One of the most striking things about Spain is its great regional diversity--landscape, food, art and even language can differ massively from one area of the country to the next. This presents a real challenge to the guidebook writer who is effectively dealing with Espanas (Spains) rather than a single Espana. The enormous army of Rough Guide devotees will not be surprised to learn that the authors of the Rough Guide to Spain rise competently to the challenge--now in its 10th edition this Rough Guide is a clear, informative and reliable guidebook to a magnificently varied country. Broken down into regions (including the Balearics) with an unambiguous design and more than 90 maps, the Rough Guide to Spain is extremely user-friendly. The limited number of full-colour photos are well used to highlight the wealth and variety of architecture and landscape in the country. Tinted boxes give dates and details of the fiestas to be found in each region as well as the price range for accommodation and tips on language--all very useful when you"re in the planning stages of a trip. On arrival, the detailed descriptions of all the major museums and monuments together with the up-to-the-minute listings of the best places to eat and drink will ensure you make the most of your visit. Whether you want to stick to the beaches or negotiate your way through the Sierra Nevada, the Rough Guide will prove an indispensable addition to your backpack.--Linda Sinclair