I am a bit lost for words over this book, so I'm going to keep this simple : if you are interested in places, the people, the landscape, the architecture, the back story and combine that with excellent commentary and the sheer quality of the photography -- this is an essential part of your collection.
A tremendous book for the new century. There are many other things I could say in time but I think keeping the clarity of the message that this is an exemplary book on its topic speaks volumes itself.