Three Rivers of France

A classic in England since the early 1950s, White's ( West of the Rhone ) gracefully written guide to the regions surrounding the Dordogne, Lot and Tarn rivers in Southwestern France is now marvelously complemented by Busselle's ( The Wine Lover's Guide to France ) color photographs. White, the most pleasant armchair traveling companion a reader could hope for, holds forth on landscape, history, food, art and architecture, national and regional character, geographical phenomena, wildlife, the nature of the picturesque, etc. Her intelligence, wit and curiosity bring the countryside to life; her opinions are strong without being didactic and her taste is near impeccable. Busselle updates information that has changed in the past 30-odd years with unobtrusive notes. His textually germane photos for this lovely book (small enough to travel with, but only just) are breathtaking. Carefully composed, perfectly lit shots depict castles, cathedrals, small villages, mountain gorges, bustling marketplaces, lonely cottages, springtime pastures--and multiple views of the three rivers. (Sept.)