Armchair Traveler: books that transport

"Unabellavista: Rome," by Anthony Capozzoli (Bella Industries Publishing, $19.98): I've seen countless guidebooks to Italy's capital, and many have merit, but this slim volume, a mere 162 pages complete with lavish illustrations, deserves special recognition for its high concept, concise format and innovative approach. Perhaps it's because of the ardor of its author. "I have a passion for Italy, her art, history, architecture, food and language," writes Anthony Capozzoli, a first-generation Italian-American who lives in Chicago. He claims he has been doing research his entire life to bring this book to life. I'm no scholar so I can't find fault with his facts; however, I do wish the prose were more tightly edited. But that's a minor quibble. Certainly, he has brought a dedicated vision to this enterprise. And if you want to hear him, Capozzoli has recorded an accompanying audio guide version that you can obtain from the Web site, unabellavista.com. His book is divided into eight sections, including seven itineraries, such as Ancient Rome, the Vatican and Trastevere. ("It is well worth an afternoon of exploring. Try to get lost among Rome's favorite neighborhood.") Besides detailed indexes, maps and building outlines, he has provided calendars so you know months ahead when the Vatican Museum is closed, for example. What I particularly admired was Capozzoli's fascinating explication of the panels of the Sistine Chapel and the illustrious man who painted its famed ceiling. "Every other artist of the past and future can only hope to be Michelangelo's student," he writes. "Michelangelo was touched by God." Maybe there's some divine inspiration in this book, too.

"Ramblings in Old Paris," by Joseph M. Callewaert (Infinity Publishing, $13.95): Belgian-born and educated in France, Joseph M. Callewaert is a Knight of the French Order of Merit, and a great champion of the City of Light. This work, the third and last of his "French Discovery Series," is a charming, detailed and very amusing guide (although you'd do best to buy your own maps to follow in his footsteps since the book is in black and white). Herein, Callewaert, who makes his home in Gulf Breeze, Fla., spiritedly recounts the "history, legends, anecdotes and gossip of Old Paree." The author, I must say, is a bit melodramatic, but that goes with the territory. "I have stood at midnight outside the tower of Jean sans Peur as a band of assassins hired by the same fearless John hacked the Duke of Orleans to death. ...At the Conciergerie I have met with the sweet gentle Marie-Antoinette and I have witnessed the proud sorrow on her face. I have followed her on her last day...walking behind the tumbrel to the Place de la Revolution and I see her die a horrible death calmly as the populace roars with obscene clamors." You'll lose your breath trying to keep up with this knight's crossing.

"On a Hoof and a Prayer: Exploring Argentina at a Gallop," by Polly Evans (Bantam Dell Publishing, $14): Polly Evans, a Londoner, claims to be "very cowardly and not at all fond of danger," but here she goes again, putting herself in uncomfortable situations with a risk of aches and pains - and embarrassment. The celebrated author of "It's Not About the Tapas" (her take on Spain) and "Fried Eggs With Chopsticks" (her China travels), Evans has an engaging style that draws comparisons to Paul Theroux and Bill Bryson. Certainly, she's open to adventure, whether motorcycling across New Zealand or dogsledding in the Yukon (the subject of her book due out next year). For this South American journey, she decided to fly to a 6,000-acre cattle farm in Cordoba, where she would learn to ride in a week. Then she would spend two months touring the country from Patagonia to Buenos Aires, riding horseback whenever she got the chance. Her girlfriends were wary. They warned her that the denim seams on her jeans would permanently scar her calves, that her hands would be rubbed raw, and worst of all: "Oh yes, and also, remember that after you've been riding you will really stink." But she has sense enough to take it all in stride.