I mentioned Elisa Parhad’s genius new guidebook idea a little while back, but now the book — New Mexico: A Guide for the Eyes — is finally out and for full-on sale.

It’s as savvy and beautiful as I’d expected. Love the turquoise-blue endpapers!

The premise: You’re driving around New Mexico and you notice there are an awful lot of drainage ditches. What’s up with that? Flip through and see the picture of an acequia–and you get all the background on Spanish-Arab irrigation techniques. The zia sun symbol, koshare, and chile ristras all get their due, along with other iconic things like enchiladas, smudge sticks, cowboy hats and biscochitos.

This guide is a total delight to read–and, just as important, it really helps you understand the essential cultural details about New Mexico.

I have just finished yet another guidebook where, in the name of meeting my word-count limits, I had to cut out 95 percent of the random interesting details I’d noticed about southern Spain to make room for opening hours and phone numbers.

I know this data is essential for a standard guidebook — but the kind of info you get from a guide like Elisa Parhad’s is just as key for really getting to know a place.

So…just buy two guidebooks. It’s worth it.

This is more a book for reading ahead of time, or looking up details after you get back home. It’s all glossy color photos, and hardbound in a nice little square trim size. For what it’s worth, there’s a one-page list of really good restaurants, attractions and museums in the back of the book–you’re smart enough to look these places up on your own.

Then, when you’re on the road and need quick reference to phone numbers, maps and opening times, take a black-and-white paperback like mine.

I’m looking forward to seeing the next guides in the series!