The Pilgrimage Road to Santiago

[Kiwi-family]

The one by Gitlitz and Davidson
I invite comment from people who have used this book.
I don't want to be dismissive, but I am not interested in hearing anyone tell me just to walk and follow the arrows. I've done that before. This time I want to learn and am interested in using this book.
Unfortunately the book is not available in our local library (although I have requested they buy it - but not hopeful as chronological snobbery is a thing and it's older than 8 years old), so I can't peruse it and make up my own mind. Is it more of a book to read before you go or to read each night while you are walking (or both!)? That could determine whether I buy a hard copy or Kindle edition to read on my phone.
Any observations?

 

[Bradypus]

It is a superb reference book. Very highly detailed but still readable. I have a copy on my bookshelves but I would not carry it with me on a journey. Quite heavy. In any case I prefer to walk and take my chances on whatever catches my eye along the way.

 

[rappahannock_rev]

A work of inestimable value to me over the years. Like Bradypus I would not carry the print edition in my pack since It is available on Amazon Kindle! Go for it!

 

[Kathor1]

That could determine whether I buy a hard copy or Kindle edition to read on my phone. Any observations?

I have both the hardcopy book and the Kindle version. IMO, to be read each night while you are walking and also during the day when you have an interest in learning more about what you are currently standing in front of. Main focus is the medieval history of the pilgrimage way and the monuments and events connected to this period. Camino Francés only.

 

[sarahchicago]

I have the Hoopla app connected to my library card (US) and see the ebook is available for download (for free, of course). Does your library have connected book apps like hoopla, Libby, overdrive or other?

 

[Bala]

I have both hardcopy, which I read before I left, and Kindle, which I read each night on the Camino to prepare for the next day. It greatly enhanced the journey for me. And following their own journey was interesting, given how much the Camino has changed since then. As noted above, it's strictly about the Francés. Highly recommended if that's your route. I think you'd be fine with the Kindle version only.

 

[dougfitz]

There is a copy held at https://archive.org/. You will have to join, but once you have done that, you can borrow it for an hour at a time. Searching on the full title brought it up immediately.

 

[Bradypus]

There is a copy held at https://archive.org/. You will have to join, but once you have done that, you can borrow it for an hour at a time. Searching on the full title brought it up immediately.

Internet Archive is a fantastic resource. Never been very sure of its legal status but I've made a lot of use of it in recent years.

 

[Former member 104756]

The book also covers the Aragones route, from Somport to Puenta la Reina - (Camino Frances por Aragon) if you are walking that way.

 

[woody66]

Kindle version of Amazon; i would prefer that as NO weight to carry!
I use assistive tech so i can listen to books i download.
All my books are audio and i relax at the end of the day listening to them as i doze off.

Woody

 

[David Tallan]

I have both versions, paper and Kindle. I take the latter with me when going on the Frances (haven't been on the Aragonese yet, and still consider it a variant of the Frances anyways).

It complements the other guidebooks. It says nothing about the albergues, which villages have ATMs or fountains, what turns to take where. Instead it covers history, art and culture, flora and fauna. It is a little dated in that it was written a while ago and has not been updated, but change comes slowly in the areas it covers.

It is without equal and if you are interested in its subject matter it is surely worth the investment.

 

[pelerine]

I have the pocket book version and will send it to you if you pm me your postal address.

 

[Sherpa47]

The one by Gitlitz and Davidson
I invite comment from people who have used this book.
I don't want to be dismissive, but I am not interested in hearing anyone tell me just to walk and follow the arrows. I've done that before. This time I want to learn and am interested in using this book.
Unfortunately the book is not available in our local library (although I have requested they buy it - but not hopeful as chronological snobbery is a thing and it's older than 8 years old), so I can't peruse it and make up my own mind. Is it more of a book to read before you go or to read each night while you are walking (or both!)? That could determine whether I buy a hard copy or Kindle edition to read on my phone.
Any observations?

A company in the UK called abebooks.co.uk has them for sale.

 

[pelerine]

I give it away since I am not likely to use my copy…

 

[rappahannock_rev]

I have the pocket book version and will send it to you if you pm me your postal address.

Pocket book edition?!? I didn't know that there was a pocket book edition.

 

[Kiwi-family]

I have the pocket book version and will send it to you if you pm me your postal address.

That is very kind of you, thank you. But first, do you realise I’m in New Zealand?! I would totally understand you retracting the offer!!
And secondly, what is the pocketbook version? A Google search did not enlighten me, but it sounds like a lite version of the real deal.
Thanks to the helpful replies above I have decided to definitely buy the kindle version and casually keep an eye out for a hard copy.

 

[C clearly]

Pocket book edition?!? I didn't know that there was a pocket book edition.

I suspect (but cannot be sure) that he means what we would also call the paperback version. My paperback copy would only fit in a very large pocket.

 

[pelerine]

Yes, I do mean the paperback version. It is the same size as the hard cover, but with a soft cover.