Janet McKenzie Prince, travel editor for the local newspaper, published this book on Berks County treasures in 1985. Although some of the sites she mentioned "aren't here anymore," many others are still a vital part of the Berks County scene. The most drastic change has been the loss of so many factory outlets, which were a mainstay of the 1980s and 1990s. Many have been torn down and others made into offices or apartments. The outlet stores are now in the malls and the prices are higher.

Prince covers historic sites, museums, sporting venues, recreation and much more. The photographs are by the author and a few are in color. There is a map. The end of the book contains advertisements and this is really where the age of the book shows. Many of the advertisers are no longer in business.

There is so much to see in Berks County. Be sure to check with the venue, the local Reading Eagle with its "things to do" sections, or the internet before traveling. I can guarantee that so much Prince has listed is worth seeing. And for those that have closed their doors, like the Mary Merritt Doll Museum, or moved and merged, like the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Culture Society which is now the Pennsylvania German Culture Heritage Center st Kutztown University, the book will give you a taste for what once was! ( )