Yes, I've already looked at prior posts on this topic. I'm looking for a general book on England (not necessarily GB as we may stay within England on this trip). I have used Fodors, Rick Steves and Eyewitness on prior trips -- I saw Footprint in the bookstore and wondered how it has worked for those who used it. Also, I've seen some positive comments on AAA guides -- is there one for England? Thanks.

I've found that I like the "Rough Guides" a lot -- they cover the well-known as well as less well known places, have good descriptions, good maps, and list a good variety of restaurants, shops, etc. They do have a guide just for England (it might be England and Wales, actually).
Last time I was in England, I forgot my Rough Guide, and bought the Footprint Handbook because it seemed most similar to the Rough Guides.
I prefer these, with their more comprehensive listings, to the Eyewitness books -- I don't need all the pictures in the guide book, since the whole point of travelling, in my opinion, is to actually see the sight with my own two eyes, instead of in a book!
Annette

Lonely Planet is also good, but I agree about Rough Guide! I used to like Rick Steves, but I don't anymore. Too many places worth seeing are left out...and I always thought he was against "touristy and big prices" but rereading the England book for 2002, it doesn't seem that way at all. (He either wants you to stay in a semi-fancy hotel or a hostel. There doesn't seem to be much middle ground ... I never noticed that about him before)

My best advice would be to just spend an hour or so at Barnes & Nobles or Borders (etc.) and check out what they have. There are LOTS - it usually only takes a little reading to discern if it is the right guidebook for you or not.

My two favorite guidebooks for England are "Nicholson's Guide to Great Britain" and the "AA Britain's Heritage." Also very useful is Peter Brereton's "Touring Guide to English Villages." The first two are very comprehensive.

Thanks for replies so far. As to Rick Steves, he is certainly highly opinionated, and does entirely omit what doesn't make his itinerary. So, they're not good overall guides, but he does include some good walks. Think I'll probably mix a few in together -- and I've already done my time at Borders, which is what left me confused to begin with.

This is a bit different but I rarely buy guide books, because I find that even if they are new, they're still at least a year old (with printing and everything). I get my basic info. from the library guide books, then use the internet to print off current info. I consolidate it (deleting, editing, etc. in Word), bring it with me (it doesn't weigh any more than a guidebook), then throw the pages away as I visit places. The British Tourist Authority (www.visitbritain.com) is a great place to start as is this site and tripadvisor.com. Just something different to think about.

rickmav,
You have got the right idea!!