Published Books

Our Newest!
Backroads of Florida (Voyageur Press)

Paul Franklin Photographer and Author (with Nancy Mikula)

From Voyageur Press: Away from the bustle of Miami Beach and the tourist extravaganza of Disney World, another Florida beckons to those looking for backroads adventure, quieter fare, or more discriminating fun. This is the Florida where backroads and secret splendors unfold in a landscape rich in the flavors and colors of ancient indigenous cultures, early European settlements, Civil War battles, and myriad Caribbean influences. Authors Paul Franklin and Nancy Mikula take you to every corner of the Sunshine State, from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys, with journeys along miles of spectacular coastline and forays into the wonders of lush interior forests, pristine lakes, and otherworldly swamplands. Florida is home to nearly a dozen national parks, forests, and seashores, and Backroads of Florida explores these attractions and many more, illustrated with breathtaking color photographs throughout. The book presents the background history and culture for Florida's varied natural and human communities along with descriptions of the best destinations and sites to visit during your travels.

Paul Comments: "We had a ball doing this book, traveling the backroads and experiencing parts of Florida few visitors get to see. Some of our favorite memories include touring the weird and wonderful Solomon's Castle with creator Howard Solomon, eating fresh-off-the-boat oysters in Apalachicola, getting up close and personal with a 16 foot alligator (aptly named "Monster") in the Everglades and being the only people visible along miles of white sand beaches and emerald waters on the Florida Panhandle".

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Journeys of a Lifetime; 500 of the World's Greatest Trips (National Geographic Books)

From National Geographic: No one knows the world like National Geographic - and in this lavish volume, we reveal our picks for the world's most fabulous journeys, along with helpful information for readers who want to try them out. Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's travel writers, Journeys of a Lifetime spans the globe to highlight the best of the world's most famous and lesser known sojourns. It presents an incredible diversity of possibilities, from ocean cruises around Antarctica to horse treks in the Andes. Every continent and every possible form of transport is covered.

Paul Comments: This was a huge project and Nancy and I were just two of a large number of travel writers who were asked to contribute descriptions of our favorite places on earth. We had great fun working with this team!

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South Carolina's Plantations and Historic Homes (Voyageur Press)

Paul Franklin Photographer and Author (with Nancy Mikula)

From Voyageur Press: The plantations and historic homes of South Carolina draw millions of visitors each year. In this stunning coffee-table book, thirty-four of the state's most famous homes are covered in loving detail and full-color photos - including each home's exterior and grounds, gardens and interiors, and profiles of their fascinating history and famous families, and more. This book makes the perfect collectible souvenir for anyone who has traveled to South Carolina and toured these beautiful homes.

Paul Comments: It was a remarkable experience to tour and photograph so many historic homes. Among my fondest memorys were the dazzling gardens of Magnolia Plantation, the elegant oval rooms and "flying" circular staircase of Charleston's Nathaniel Russell House, The Italianate grandeur of the Kensington Mansion in cotton country, and the earnest pioneer simplicity of Walnut Grove Plantation near the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Backroads of South Carolina (Voyageur Press)

Paul Franklin Photographer and Author (with Nancy Mikula)

From Voyageur Press: South Carolina's lovely backroads beckon you to explore the state's hidden treasures, from the mist-laden majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lush rolling farmlands of the Piedmont, to the moss-draped oaks and wildlife-filled salt marshes of the Low Country. Authors Paul Franklin and Nancy Mikula lead you on a journey that showcases all of the Palmetto State's charm. You'll follow quiet country byways that lead to timeless historic towns and scores of little-known attractions.

Paul Comments: The back country of South Carolina is virtually undiscovered by travelers, yet it contains wonderful towns that have changed little in the past century, and geography so varied its hard to believe it's all part of the same state. From the moss-draped live oaks, salt marshes and cypress swamps of the coastal Low Country, to the vast cotton farms and peach orchards of the Piedmont and the waterfall-laced Blue Ridge highlands of the Upcountry, South Carolina dazzles and amazes. We especially enjoyed meeting fascinating South Carolinians like Pearl Fryar, the "Picasso of Topiary Artists", and NY Times bestselling author and peach farmer, Dori Sanders, who introduced us to the best sun ripened peaches we ever tasted.

TRAVEL: Where to go When (DK Press)

From Dorling Kindersley: Travel: Where to Go When combines informative and inspirational narrative with truly sumptuous photography to bring over 130 global destinations to life. Six different holiday themes - Natural World, Unforgettable Journeys, Family Getaways, Luxury & Romance, Activity Breaks and Festivals & Culture - ensure that there is something for everybody. Explore the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the Galapagos Islands or marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls. Enjoy the Galway Oyster Festival or the fiery extravaganza of Las Fallas, Valencia. With a simple month by month format, Travel: Where to Go When makes finding that getaway easier than ever, and this new compact edition fits easily on the bookshelf. Search by time of year, type of holiday, or simply flick through the pages and be inspired!

Paul Comments: Another project on a global scale with a who's-who of travel writers participating. We helped plan the layout, and got to write about some of our favorite places, as well as work with the always-impressive DK team.

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THE AMERICAS: Where to go When (DK Press)

From Dorling Kindersley: Answering the difficult questions that today's adventurous travelers asl - where's the best place for a beach holiday in March? What are my options if June is the only time I can take a holiday? I'm getting married in November, where would be the perfect place for a honeymoon? - this is the perfect book for anyone planning a vacation or a longer adventure. Find out about the best time to go to each destination, the best places to see, and the best things to do. Whatever you want to do, you can - and in any month of the year.

Paul Comments: This DK Anthology of great destinations in the Americas is gorgeous to look at and full of practical advice. Once again we were two of a small army of writers who participated, and we had a fun time helping plan the North American sections and writing about places we love in the US, Canada and Mexico.

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Top 10 Guide to Mexico City (DK Press)

Photographer: Paul Franklin, Author; Nancy Mikula

From Dorling Kindersley: Whatever you plan to do - whether you are travelling first class or on a limited budget - make sure you experience the very best Mexico City has on offer with this quick reference pocket-sized guide. From the top 10 architectural highlights to the top 10 restaurants, hotels and entertainment venues - this guide features the insider knowledge that every visitor needs. Discover spectacular Aztec ruins, beautiful murals, colourful local markets, peaceful parks and gardens, the liveliest music and dance venues, best local delicacies and hotels to suit every budget and much more. With a free pull- out map and guide, this is your guide to the 10 best of everything.

Paul Comments: This was our most adventurous undertaking for DK to date, we took our RV - our rolling studio - to Mexico City where we lived, worked and explored for five months. Our fondest memories? The people - in the most populous city on earth, they remained kind, patient and helpful. Then there is the city's totally amazing history! We explored ornate nineteenth century palazzios built atop sixteenth century Spanish ruins which themselves were built on ancient Aztec ruins.

Top 10 Guide to San Antonio (DK Press)

Photographer: Paul Franklin, Author: Nancy Mikula

One of the award-winning DK travel guide series. Discover the Top 10 historic sites, missions, restaurants, what to see at the Alamo and the best of San Antonio's famous Riverwalk. Included are tours of Texas's famed hill country and Austin, the Texas capital and center of all things Texan, cool and weird.


Paul Comments: We really enjoyed San Antonio. It is an unassuming city with a big warm heart, and a surprising amount of art, culture and history. Our favorite highlights included taking in the Mariachi Mass at Mission San Jose, experiencing Christmas on the Riverwalk, and being part of the color an pageantry of Fiesta!

Top 10 Guide to Santa Fe, Taos and Albuquerque (DK Press)

Photographer: Paul Franklin, Author: Nancy Mikula

DK's Award winning travel guide series continues with the Top 10 Guide to Santa Fe. Visit the top ten art galleries in this Mecca of western art. Explore some of the Finest southwestern restaurants, raft on the raging Rio Grande and learn what to see and do at the famous Georgia O'Keefe Museum. The Book includes sections on Taos, and Albuquerque. Explore the ancient Taos Pueblo, oldest inhabited town in the Americas, and visit Los Alamos, home of the infamous Manhattan Project.

Paul Comments: It's no wonder that Santa Fe shows up at the top of every list of American Art Towns. The Galleries of the historic downtown and famous Canyon Road attract art lovers from around the world. We loved visiting remote and still funky Taos, and Ghost Ranch where Georgia O'Keefe found her muse. Then there was the food - some of the most renowned restaurants in America can be found in this amazing small town.

Eyewitness Guide to The Southwest USA and Las Vegas (DK Press)

Paul Franklin: Co-Author


From Dorling Kindersley: The Grand Canyon, Pueblo Dwellings, the desert art of Georgia O'Keefe - what could be a bigger contrast with the neon and glitter of Las Vegas? Amazingly, these are all found in one region of the USA - and the "DK Eyewitness Travel Guide" is all you need to get the most out of it. With its new full-colour maps of towns and regions, and detailed coverage of restaurants and hotels, as well as hundreds of photographs and maps - you won't find a better guide to Arizona, New Mexico, the Four Corners and Las Vegas. It provides scenic routes, thematic tours and even some gambling tips - so you won't come home empty-handed.


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Eyewitness Guide to Arizona and The Grand Canyon (DK Press)

Paul Franklin: Author

From Dorling Kindersley: One of the world's greatest natural wonders, it's often said that everyone should see the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetime - but there's much more to Arizona than spectacular geology.Watch a gunfight at the OK Corral; drive the 'mother road', Route 66, and eat at a roadside diner where time stopped still in the 1950s. Pan for gold or dig for precious minerals; see a Native American ceremony on a reservation; visit world-class museums; go down into a Cold War missile silo; take part in a cattle drive - this sumptuously illustrated guide tells you how, where and when, and a whole lot more. With detailed maps and plans of all areas and sights, markets and festivals listed town by town, this is your indispensable guide to Arizona & The Grand Canyon.

Our Washington (Voyageur Press)

Paul Franklin: Photographer

From Voyageur Press: Our nations capital is truly a distinctive setting, with historical and cultural sites around just about every corner. Our Washington, D.C. is a pictorial celebration showcasing the areas stunning monuments and scenes, offering a glimpse into what makes this city so unique--from the historic homes, trendy neighborhoods, and diverse special events and festivals to the people who live and work in the capital city. Such locales as the Washington Monument, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Capitol building, the White House(including rare interior photos), Arlington National Cemetery, the National Zoo, the Smithsonian Institution, the National Arboretum, the Spy Museum, Mt. Vernon, and the Potomac River are brought to life in "Our Washington, D.C." Featuring the striking photography of Paul M. Franklin, historical images, and detailed captions that capture the essence of Washington, D.C., this is a fabulous presentation of the area that is both our past and our future.

The Complete Illustrated Guidebook to
Washington, D.C.'s Public Parks and Gardens (Barnes and Noble)

Paul Franklin: Photographer

This lushly illustrated guide covers all of the well known and lesser known gardens in this "City of Gardens". From the stunning azalea gardens of the National Arboretum, to the spectacle of the Cherry Blossom festival, to quiet blossom draped hideaways like the Bishop's Garden at the National Cathedral- this informative and beautiful guide opens the door to the vibrant gardens of the nation's capital. Discover the Smithsonian gardens, tour the US Botanical Gardens, explore the blossom filled gardens of Mount Vernon and wander tree-shaded paths in parks of all sizes from the extensive C&O Canal to the almost unknown Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens where mirror like ponds hold one of the world's great collections of water lilies.

AA Spiral Guide to Washington, D.C. (AA Publishing)

Paul Franklin: Author

From AA Publishing: AA Spiral Guide to Washington, D.C. has been written by Paul Franklin, a destination expert. Witty yet informative, it gives in-depth guidance and expert insight. It is the ideal guide for making travel to the U.S. Capital fun. Easy-to-follow walks and tours accompany expert tips helping you beat the crowds; from shopping, entertainment and nightlife to perfectly planned day itineraries. There are personally recommended venues for eating and drinking, with a useful section on finding your feet and vital details for starting out, from airport information to shops. With top quality, detailed maps and colour coded pages throughout.

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Eyewitness Guide to Canada (DK Press)

Paul Franklin: Co-Author

From Dorling Kindersley: If you are planning on visiting our neighbor to the North, you'll need DK's Eyewitness Travel Guide to Canada to show you the best this beautiful country has to offer. Broken into six distinct sections: Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Central Canada, Northern Canada and British Columbia and the Rockies - this guide allows you to find the best places to stay, eat, shop, and visit while in Canada. Includes more than 900 full-color photographs, unique 3-D aerial views of major attractions, and street-by-street maps of all the major cities. From Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island, Montreal to Vancouver, Ottawa to the Great Lakes, or from the quaint towns of Dawson City and Whitehorse there is something in this informative reference for everyone.

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