If you like to read things made out of paper like I do (call me old fashioned!)…

1. The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs by Ulrich Keller.

Merging cultural and socio-political elements that contributed to the Panama Canal’s history, this extensive text and 164 historic photographs tell the fascinating story of the Canal’s construction.

2. The Panama Real Estate Report by Matt Landau

You will avoid a number of bad decisions without this one. The first of its kind, The Panama Real Estate Report is a no-nonsense guide to buying real estate in Panama for the first timer. This is the primary book we’ve seen that is purely factual, objective, and critical of real estate in Panama. The unbiased report (aka eBook) is conveniently delivered via email (PDF) and costs $99; an amount, Landau claims, is well worth spending to avoid the costly errors detailed inside.

3. The Art of Being Kuna: Layers of Meaning Among the Kuna of Panama by Mari Lyn Salvador (Editor).

A thick extensive volume with illustrations, photographs and detailed information; one of the only books I could find anywhere about the Kuna culture

4. Magnificent Molas: The Art of the Kuna Indians by Michel Perrin (Author), Deke Dusinberre (Translator)

300 fabric “paintings” made and worn by the women of the Kuna accompanied with discussions with the Kuna women and their opinions about techniques and aesthetics. The book also includes excerpts about the rituals, animals, plants, and objects that inspired these designs.

5. Lonely Planet Panama (2007) by Matthew D. Firestone

I’ve heard complaints about this newest Lonely Planet, saying it wasn’t updated and has too many opinions. Still, it is the most recent travel guide on sale. Lonely Planet has never let me down before and I will continue to stick by it until proven otherwise. (Is the Frommer’s Panama (2006) by Kristina Schreck better? Opinions?)

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Filed under: Reviews on March 27th, 2008