Summer has arrived in the Western Hemisphere, and that typically means vacation time for many of us.  O'Reilly has just published a travel guide crafted especially for technologists and science fans.  Read on for more.

Written by John Graham-Cumming, a UK-based programmer, world traveler and fellow Dr. Dobbs Journal contributor, The Geek Atlas is an inspiring collection of 128 places around the world that ingratiate visitors with technological appreciation, excitement and wonder.  The author presents each locale in a concise and effective 3 or 4 page description, geographic location, its technological significance, a typically 2-page write-up of the general principles behind the technology, and traveler's tips such as visiting hours and tour recommendations.

I can personally attest to the accuracy of the technical descriptions and travelogue recommendations of some of the locations selected by the author.  When I opened The Geek Atlas for the first time, I made a beeline for the write-up on Fermilab, an amazing particle physics laboratory I have visited many times - it's a 15 minute car ride (or 45 minute bike ride) from my home.  I was very fortunate to be an alumni of the very first Fermilab Saturday Morning Physics Program back in the early '80's, an experience that changed my life and played a major role in shaping my technologically-focused career choice.  I was thrilled by the author's hearty recommendation of attending the Ask a Scientist sessions held the first Sunday of every month, especially since I had just done so the day before I received the book (I attended a free talk on the future of particle accelerators, followed by an engaging conversation with one of the experimental physicists working on the DZero project - the one searching for the Higgs Boson, i.e., the God Particle).  Once satisfied by this highly accurate local reference entry, I sought out other places I visited that were also highlighted in the book:  the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC, the MIT Museum in Cambridge, MA and the Apple Campus in Cupertino.  Once again, the author's descriptions and recommendations of what to see there were spot on. 

I really enjoyed this 'atlas'.  In fact, while reading it on the train, a fellow passenger kept eyeing the book.  I offered it to him to peruse and he thumbed through it with vigor and deep interest for most of the duration of the ride into Chicago.  I have read plenty of technical and scientific books on the train, but this was the first time in all the years I have been commuting by rail that a fellow passenger took that much interest in a book I was reading.  This further reinforced for me just how compelling and well written The Geek Atlas is, and why anyone who enjoys technology and traveling should buy this book before setting off on any vacation adventure.

Title:   The Geek Atlas
Author: John Graham-Cumming
Publiser: O'Reilly Media
ISBN: 978-0596523206
Price: $29.99 US