Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2008 (Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book)

Johnson clearly knows his stuff and he covers the world of wine pretty well given that this is a pocket-sized edition.

The book was too compact for me though and I think it suffers from too many abbreviations and too many bullet-point entries. I accept that your expectations shouldn't be too high if you are buying a compendium, as compromises do need to be made. For me, however, it was slightly difficult to find my way around and get the best out of what the book has to offer.

It must also be said that the editing and proof-reading were well below expectations and, indeed, very disappointing.

That said, you will still come away a lot wiser with this book so one important purpose is served.

In short, the work of a very knowledgeable writer could have been improved with a great deal more care and perhaps thought should be given to slightly re-designing future editions.

Very disappointing - unclear and too condensed (0/0 people found this helpful)

I really can't believe this book is number 1 for the wine category - I bought it because of the great reviews on here, but it sits on the shelf collecting dust.

This book isn't really a book to read - more a dictionary. It is very poorly designed and has way too many abbreviations. It is also a little misguiding with its cover note of 'Hugh selects over 200 personal favourites' - this basically means he underlines 200 wines mentioned throughout the book. It really tells you nothing about the actual wine itself.

Very unclear as a book as it is simply condensing all it can into the smallest possible space. The Juice by Matt Skinner or a full expanded wine encyclopedia are much better options.

Happy newcomer (1/1 people found this helpful)

This is the first time I've bought the annual Hugh Johnson guide and it's a gem: clear, sensible, and down to earth. The genuine pocket size meant I was able to carry it round France for on-the-spot tips.

I do have a gripe and that is with the editing/proof reading. The typos are frequent and irritating. E.g., wines that are "recommended as first choice for drinking in 2005", the 0-20 rating system that goes up to 21.5, and cross-references to other page numbers that are often incorrect. The typos make the book look like a rushed patch-up of previous years.

HOWEVER, that's not Hugh Johnson's fault and there is a career-full of knowledge and good advice here so if you want a decent wine guide, buy it.
(P.S. It's worth stating that this is primarily a guide for buying wine, especially upper-end wine, rather than a book about wine as such).

Still the best wine book, but some silly typos (2/2 people found this helpful)

N. Stewart's comments are spot on. This is the best source of wine information in terms of fact per pound (pound weight or pound money), containing more useful facts than most large glossy coffee-table style wine books. Coverage is best on the old world wine regions, especially Bordeaux, giving helpful info on recommended producers, which vintages are good and which are ready to drink. I think it's worth buying a new copy every 2 or 3 years.
Unfortunately there are several very blatant typographical errors in the 2008 edition, such as 'You have to had vines' in the new essay on Italian wines at the end, and several references to a Medoc classification table allegedly on page 96 but in fact non-existent.

As indispensible as ever but some editing errors creeping in this year (4/4 people found this helpful)

I have bought this book every year for 20+ years and it is a goldmine, this year it is as well researched and comprehensive as ever. This is a must buy for anyone serious about wine.

On the negative side I have noticed that some pages have not been proof read or updated which is surprising. I hope these few irritating errors will be corrected soon and there are no major errors elewhere! Personally
I found the introduction of a parallel system of personal preferences alongside the established markings unneccessary and confusing but others wil appreciate these.

Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2008 (Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book)

Hugh Johnson

Reader Reviews:

Knows his stuff, but.... (0/0 people found this helpful)

Very disappointing - unclear and too condensed (0/0 people found this helpful)

Happy newcomer (1/1 people found this helpful)

Still the best wine book, but some silly typos (2/2 people found this helpful)

As indispensible as ever but some editing errors creeping in this year (4/4 people found this helpful)

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