At 900 pages, this practical travel guide to Spain is what the independent traveler needs. It features maps, a good overview of culture, history and nature, and much nuts-and-bolts information on excursions, accomodations and sightseeing. Brighter better organized, with detailed color maps, crisp red icons for sections on sleeping, eating, shopping and activities, and well-deployed color throughout.  (SPN153, $26.99)