"Looking Up in Edinburgh" is a photographic guide to what is usually an ignored aspect of the urban landscape: the surprising, witty and often hidden architectural features above eye-level. It is an interactive book, which combines a treasure hunt with a travel guide. The introduction gives a light-hearted potted history of Edinburgh. Following this, the book presents a host of architectural gems each covered by an original full-colour photograph, brief quirky anecdotes about its story, cryptic clues to its location, and historical information about the building in the photograph or the immediate area. All buildings are presented on easy to follow maps, making this book ideal as a walking guide or treasure hunt. This is the first book to introduce readers to a fascinating dimension of Edinburgh's townscape that they might otherwise never have seen.It offers a compendium of stunning photographs and fascinating facts relating to one of the world's most beautiful cities (which welcomes over 4 million visitors each year!). It combines a tour guide with a treasure hunt. It will appeal to Edinburgh's residents and visitors alike. It follows hot on the heels of "Looking up in London".Praise for "Looking up in London": 'Full of fascinating facts and intriguing images, it's sure to appeal to all explorers of the city, leaving the rest scurrying along the streets looking straight ahead' - "What's on in London". 'Any resident or visitor to the Big Smoke could benefit from this intriguing pocket-sized book...go on, hold your head up high!' - "OK! Magazine". '...a small jewel of a book that will guide you to the best high-up hotspots...' - "TimeOut". 'This interesting book will no doubt start a new hobby for many readers...I found the book very entertaining and can recommend it to anyone interested in architecture or the history of London' - "Building Design". 'A compendium of stunning photographs and fascinating facts, it will appeal to all explorers of the city who appreciate their surroundings - visitors and residents alike' - "This is London".
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"...little gem which will encourage you to look at the city in a different way..." (The Scotsman, 21st August 04)
-- The Scotsman
"...make sure you get Looking Up I Edinburgh...it will make sure you see the best of the city's landmarks..." -- Daily Express Saturday Magazine, 31st July 04
-- The Scotsman
"...make sure you get Looking Up I Edinburgh...it will make sure you see the best of the city's landmarks..." -- Daily Express Saturday Magazine, 31st July 04
From the Back Cover
Are you ready to discover a secret Edinburgh? A world where mythical creatures live with Greek Goddesses, and cherubs consort with Queens. Looking up in Edinburgh will enable you to see the city as those people who walk the streets looking straight ahead do not. Entering Edinburgh's hidden universe is simple, just look up above eye-level and prepare for a surprise. Unicorns, dragons, and mermaids are gazing down, waiting to be admired.
Looking up in Edinburgh directs readers through the city's medieval Old Town and classical New Town. Along the route are remarkable architectural gems. The goal is to find them, using the book as your guide.
You do not need any architectural knowledge, just some comfortable shoes. Imagine yourself as a detective and put your best sleuthing foot forward. You are on a journey to explore the treasure trove of incredible buildings that combine to make Edinburgh such an unforgettable city.
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By JRIII
Format:Paperback
From the first time visitor wanting something a little more lively than the standard Fodors guide to the seasoned Edinburgh visitor looking for a new angle, Peyton's book is a must for any traveler wanting a complete trip and a lively walking tour.
Just as with her must-read "Looking Up London" book, this volume gives readers an overview of the city, as well as dozens of closeups on some of its hidden gems. Clearly, the years Peyton has spent abroad have sharply honed her editorial eye to focus on those items which will be illuminating for either a first-timer or a native. She knows many of us want to know more than simply who the founding fathers were (the monuments and museums readily tell us that) - we want to get a taste of the unexpected nooks and crannies where this can also be found. This book's supreme photography shows the author's respect for taking the time to "open your eyes" and fully embrace the endless diversity we so often fail to notice.
With all due respect to others who have reviewed this book, I disagree entirely with the notion only a Edinburgh native can provide sufficient insight. As an avid explorer of my own home city (Washington, DC), I can well attest my most enlightening urban epiphanies have been spurred forward not by those (such as I) weighted down with tomes of knowledge on historical intricacies, but from folks who help me to see my city from a new angle. Peyton's goal isn't to unspool myriad tales which make Edinburgh so enchanting - that would take volumes and there's countless tour guides who can (and should) do that. Instead, she provides curiosity-seekers with a foundation on which they can build a truly unique understanding of their surroundings.
In closing, one request for publisher: get Peyton to more cities.
... Read more ›1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If you're in the market for a history of Edinburgh, there's a scintillating chapter in SCOTLAND FOR DUMMIES. But if you're looking for a fun and fabulous way to explore one of the most underrated cities in Europe --then pick up LOOKING UP IN EDINBURGH. Whether you're enjoying your first visit or your tenth, you'll find something new and wonderful in Edinburgh with this gem of a guide in hand. Let's applaud author Peyton for her skill at the art of seeing --and for sharing the results with the rest of us.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By CLARK M.
Format:Paperback
Things are definitely looking up in Edinburgh thanks to this gem of a book! My week-end stay in Edinburgh was highlighted by the book's witty and insightful walking tours through this historic and beautiful city. Peyton's in-depth knowledge of Edinburgh and its history, stemming from time spent there as a child (as noted in the preface), help make the city's numerous architectural details come alive to an outsider and provide a new, up-to-date perspective on things you might otherwise overlook. If you have ever wandered through a European City wondering about the history of its decorative ornamentations, the "Looking Up" series is for you (a London version is also available). The photos are so lovely you could even stay at home and still feel like you had been there! Buy this book, go to Edinburgh and LOOK UP! I hope other European cities are planned (Paris???)!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
If you always want to see what other people don't see, this is the book for you. The book shows you all the remarkable architecture and art which happens above eye level. I took the book around Edinburgh with me, and did the 'Looking up' tour, using the helpful map included - and I really saw a different side to the city!
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I really feel quite insulted and let down by this book. I like the concept, but it seems to have been written with the bare minimum of research and a very evident lack of background in Edinburgh history. Written by people with real local knowledge and it could be great. Ship in an author from down south for a fortnight of research and you get this book: superficial stories, often only loosely linked to the topic.
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