Rivers and lakes Books
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC The Flow
Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE 2023 JAMES CROPPER WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR NATURE WRITING''Unparalleled.'' THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE''A true masterpiece.'' TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT''A tour de force.'' GUY SHRUBSOLE''Quietly courageous.'' PATRICK BARKHAM''Lyrical, wholehearted and wise.'' LEE SCHOFIELD''A knockout. I loved it.'' MELISSA HARRISON''Honest, raw and moving.'' SOPHIE PAVELLE''An extraordinary book by an extraordinary author.'' CHRIS JONES''A book of wit, wonder and of wisdom.'' NICK ACHESON''Beautiful.'' NICOLA CHESTERA visit to the rapid where she lost a cherished friend unexpectedly reignites Amy-Jane Beer''s love of rivers setting her on a journey of natural, cultural and emotional discovery.On New Year''s Day 2012, Amy-Jane Beer''s beloved friend Kate set out with a group of others to kayak the River Rawthey in Cumbria. Kate never came home, anTrade ReviewA true masterpiece; generous, elegant, acute, tender and furious. -- Charles Foster * Times Literary Supplement *The perfect commingling of deep research with sparkling observation and quiet eddies of feeling, helmed by a lifelong kayaker, biologist and all-round adventurous soul... small wonder The Flow is such a knockout. I loved it. * author of All Among the Barley *A rich mix of history and mythology, of science and nature writing at its very best. -- PD Smith * The Guardian *Our 2023 Nature Book of the Year winner is regrettably very topical, and every judge absolutely loved the book. The glorious detail and personal experiences, all written in such elegant and beautifully poetic language, was unparalleled. -- Alastair Giles * Director of the James Cropper Wainwright Prize *A quietly courageous, open-hearted exploration of Britain's becks, bourns and streams. -- Patrick Barkham * author of The Butterfly Isles *Lyrical, wholehearted and wise, The Flow is a hymn for the rivers of Britain. -- Lee Schofield * author of Wild Fell *Honest, raw and moving, Amy’s prose is as captivating as the rivers she describes. I thought I knew what rivers were, but this stunning book is a powerful reminder of their infinity, their mystery, and their bewildering complexity. -- Sophie Pavelle * author of Forget Me Not *The Flow moves deftly between deeply touching personal experience and carefully-researched erudition. It is a book of wit, of wonder and of wisdom. -- Nick Acheson, naturalist and conservationistThe Flow is an extraordinary book by an extraordinary author.In a golden age for nature writing, this stunning book is one of the very best. -- Ben Hoare * BBC Countryfile *A gutsy biologist with webbed feet, Amy-Jane Beer plunges the reader into rivers the length and breadth of Britain. We emerge bathed in wonder and full of fresh understanding. -- Derek Niemann * author of Birds in a Cage *Part memoir, part celebration of the many rivers and waters of Britain, The Flow is passionately alive – a work of tremendous range and scope by one of our finest writers about the living world. -- Caspar Henderson * author of The Book of Barely Imagined Beings *The Flow is a tour de force: blending crystal-clear prose with mythic poetry and a cascade of lucid facts, washed down with uplifting insights into life, death and the water that sustains us. -- Guy Shrubsole * author of Who Owns England? *A fascinating travelogue […] Beer’s prose has the luminous beauty of poetry, blending personal experience and absorbing research with a sense of awe. -- Hannah Beckerman * The Observer *Haunted by loss, The Flow is about the urgency of a life, land and love. -- Nicola Chester * author of On Gallows Down *From the incredibly moving opening scene, to a delightful conclusion, Amy-Jane Beer takes us on a journey on, in and through the waterways of Britain, in sparkling prose. A worthy successor to Roger Deakin's Waterlog. -- Stephen Moss * author of The Robin *The Flow is a wonderful book: as passionate as it is knowledgeable. From Yorkshire Derwent to Dart to Dee via the Zanskar, Amy-Jane Beer really does take us, in her phrase, ‘as close as we might ever get to being a river’. -- Mark Wormald * author of The Catch *A fascinating mix of research into our waterways and gut-wrenching emotion. I can’t find the words to do it justice: read it! -- Charlotte Smith, broadcaster * BBC Countryfile *With a poet’s gift for description, Beer makes her global travels vivid […] She’s got an ability to make even a small moment resonate, such as her child’s serendipitous discovery of a carnivorous sundew plant, with sharp prose and quick pacing. The result is an aquatic tour de force. * Publishers Weekly *Beer’s book examines the reverential place rivers hold in our culture and the stories hidden in their depths. -- Joe Shute * The Sunday Telegraph *A sublime and companionable meditation on nature’s processes. -- Charles Foster * Times Literary Supplement *I have read dozens of books about rivers and The Flow is one of the finest. -- David Profumo * Country Life *Necessary reading for us all. -- Julie Brominicks, landscape writer * BBC Countryfile *This erudite book is a joyous combination of science, nature, history, and mythology […] a genuinely moving voyage of discovery of our ecological and personal place in the nature that surrounds us. * Yorkshire Life *The Flow is an epic memoir that inspires awe for rivers and reveals their dual nature as both boundaries and portals. -- Kristine Morris * Foreword Reviews *Beer’s moving book is about water and landscapes as well as friendship, memory, loss and resilience. It is full of quiet wisdom and passion, and shows us what words can do when the personal and the ecological are blended organically. -- Elif Shafak * New Statesman *Water courses through biologist Amy-Jane Beer’s deep-dive into the lyrical beauty of Britain’s rivers. * Country & Town House *Simply beautiful. -- Stephen MossThe Flow is gutsy and profound from the off, with exquisite evocation of place, dives into deep time, moments of humour and surging anger at what we’ve done to our rivers. -- Ben Hoare * BBC Countryfile *As with all the best books about nature, The Flow is a marriage of two things: a hard-won knowledge of the subject and a rare ability to write beautifully [...] a warm and immersive book. -- Ian Carter * British Wildlife *Beautiful book. -- Nicola Chester * RSPB Magazine *Table of ContentsPrologue: Only water, moving on Chapter 1: Fresh and yet so very old Eddy: Snow dome Chapter 2: Torrent Eddy: Hollowing Chapter 3: Oak-water Eddy: Groundwater Chapter 4: Fly while we may Eddy: Dark water Chapter 5: Lines upon the land Meander: Bath toys Chapter 6: The meanings of water Eddy: Otter Chapter 7: The Bell Guy and the Gypsey Chapter 8: A willow grows aslant a brook Eddy: Minus seven Chapter 9: The cry of the Dart Meander: Flow Chapter 10: Trespassers will Eddy: Summer on the Nene Chapter 11: Chalk stream dreaming Eddy: Heron Chapter 12: Land covered by water Eddy: High water Chapter 13: Ouroboros Meander: Ghosts in the willows Chapter 14: The silver fish Chapter 15: Light and water Eddy: Damnation Chapter 16: Anadrome Chapter 17: Riverwoods Eddy: Flowover Chapter 18: Confluence and influence Meander: A river released Chapter 19: The Mucky Beck Eddy: Withow Gap Chapter 20: Rodents of unusual size Eddy: The narrow bridge Chapter 21: Heartland Chapter 22: A descent into Hell Gill (and out the other side) Epilogue Author’s note and acknowledgements Further reading Index
£10.44
The History Press Ltd Bridgwater the River Parrett in Old Photographs
Book SynopsisIn Bridgwater & the River Parrett, Rod Fitzhugh presents an invaluable record of the heyday of trade on the river when the prosperity of much of Somerset was dependent on access to the sea. From 1200 to 1971 when Bridgwater Docks finally closed, the river was a trading route for cargo. Early wooden craft, then schooners, ketches, other tall-masted ships, and finally steamships, made Bridgwater a leading industrial centre with high employment for ship building as well as brick- and tile-making. Imports, from wine to coal as needs changed through the centuries, ensured the wealth of the area, only declining with the development of the railways. The clanking of cranes was silenced, and the wooden pillars against which the ships had moored at the wharves, slowly sank in the mud. From the Bristol Channel through Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Combwich, Dunball, Bridgwater, Somerset Bridge, Burrowbridge and finally into Langport, this fascinating selection of photographs, comprising the work
£13.49
Transcript Verlag The Lower !Garib - Orange River: Pasts and
Book SynopsisThe Lower !Garib, or Orange River flows through the historical Namaqualand and since 1990 has formed the international border between Namibia and South Africa. The contributors to his volume focus on this hardly discussed stretch of the Orange River to understand the region's social history, geography, and economy. It brings together scholars from Namibia, South Africa, and overseas, as well as the knowledge and analysis from people living in the region. In concise chapters and short portraits, they discuss the region's past and present from a variety of perspectives.
£42.50
Oro Editions The Great Padma: The Epic River that Made the
Book SynopsisThe first comprehensive book on the River Padma, considered the last leg of the Ganges, with a rich collection of new photographs and maps. The Great Padma Book defines the life and history of the Bengal Delta, the largest delta in the world. The book contains original essays by well-known writers, researchers, and academics from diverse fields, including geography, history, literature, architecture, and food history. The preface is written by the renowned author Amitav Ghosh (The Hungry Tide). Besides unpublished photographs documenting the magnificence and diversity of the great river, and wonderful set of maps and diagrams, the book has a rich content in depicting the life and times related to this turbulent river. The wonderful design and layout of the book will make this a collectable item.
£40.00
HarperCollins Publishers Riverman
Book SynopsisBrilliant, clear, and humane' Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, LoveMiraculous and hopeful' Emma Straub, author of All Adults HereQuietly profound belongs on the shelf next to Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild' New York TimesRiverman: An American Odyssey uncovers the story of an extraordinary man and his puzzling disappearance, and paints a picture of the singular spirit of America's riverbank towns.The peace of mind I found, largely alone, on that white-water mecca convinced me that life was capable of exquisite pleasure and undefined meaning deep in the face of failure. The experience itself is the reward.' Dick ConantOn his forty-third birthday, Dick Conant, a golden boy who never quite grew up as those around him expected, stepped into a homemade boat to embark on a journey despite a gathering snowstorm. Among his possessions was a Gideon Bible and biographies of Einstein and Bismark. It was the beginning of an all-consuming odyssey by an unconventional man into the watery arteriTrade Review‘This is a beautifully told and near-mythical tale of one man’s quest to find peace through communion with nature, and through perpetual motion. My heart was deeply stirred by Riverman, and by Ben McGrath’s brilliant, clear, and humane storytelling. This one will stay with me for a long time’ Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love ‘Riverman is as miraculous and hopeful as its protagonist, the Zelig of America’s waterways, Dick Conant. It’s a great book for people like me, who read Into the Wild but have shed our self-destructive wanderlust and settled into middle age. This book will make you want to buy a canoe and spend less time on Instagram’ Emma Straub, bestselling author of All Adults Here ‘McGrath’s reconstruction of Dick Conant’s tangled career and yearning soul is so meticulous, so obsessive, that Conant comes to life on the page as vividly as any character in American literature. Conant wanted his story told. Here it is, in all its pathos and sheer unlikeliness. You will never see rivers and the towns on their banks the same way after reading Riverman. Ditto, I predict, for expansive, raggedy strangers’ William Finnegan, bestselling author of Pulitzer Prize winner Barbarian Days ‘This quietly profound book belongs on the shelf next to Jon Krakauer’s Into the Wild’ New York Times ‘Superb … McGrath captures his subject with warmth and humour’ Wall Street Journal ‘Captivating … A paean to eccentricity and endurance and a study of a life that changed the chronicler’s own perceptions … A memorable and intoxicating exploration of what we make of those who reinvent themselves’ Kirkus, starred review
£9.49
Penguin Books Ltd How to Fish
Book SynopsisHow to Fish is an unabashed, unashamed celebration of the joys of fishing. It is about contentment, calm and solitude, rivers and river banks, losing track of time and, of course, the fish themselves. For those who already enjoy fishing it is a love letter to their art and for those who don''t - yet! - it is an insight into a life spent getting up at the crack of dawn and, armed with rod and line, heading for water...
£14.39
Elsevier Science Landscape Evolution of ContinentalScale River
Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. Origin and significance of Bell River concept 2. Bell River delta in Saglek basin of Labrador Sea 3. Three main Bell River tributaries in Canada 4. Bell River headwaters in Montana – paleo-Missouri and paleo-Yellowstone rivers 5. Bell River captures Colorado Plateau and Great Basin drainage 6. Incision of early Grand Canyon 7. Destruction of Bell River 8. Amazon River Analog and implications for other continental-scale river systems 9. Conclusions
£107.10
University of California Press Fighting for the River
Book SynopsisFighting for the River portrays women's intimate, embodied relationships with river waters and explores how those relationships embolden local communities' resistance to private run-of-the-river hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. Building on extensive ethnographic research, Özge Yaka develops a body-centered, phenomenological approach to women's environmental activism and combines it with a relational ontological perspective. In this way, the book pushes beyond the natural resources frame to demonstrate how our corporeal connection to nonhuman entities is constitutive of our more-than-human lifeworld. Fighting for the River takes the human body as a starting point to explore the connection between lived experience and nonhuman environments, treating bodily senses and affects as the media of more-than-human connectivity and political agency. Analyzing local environmental struggles as struggles for coexistence, Yaka frames human-nonhuman relationality as a matter of socio-ecological justice.Table of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Abbreviations Acknowledgments Introduction: Gender, Body, and Relationality in the Struggle for the Environmental Commons 1. Saving “God’s Water”: Motivations and Dynamics of the Anti-HEPP Struggle 2. Resources, Livelihoods, Lifeworld: Linking Gender and Environment through the Lived Body 3. Sense, Affect, Emotion: Bodily Experiences of River Waters and Emergent Political Agency 4. Place, Body, Memory: River Waters and the Immanence of the Past in the Present 5. Ethics, Ontology, Relationality: Grassroots Environmentalism and the Notion of Socio-Ecological Justice Conclusion: Toward an Ecological Approach to Lifeworld, Sociality, and Agency Appendix Notes References Index
£64.00
University of California Press Fighting for the River
Book SynopsisFighting for the River portrays women's intimate, embodied relationships with river waters and explores how those relationships embolden local communities' resistance to private run-of-the-river hydroelectric power plants in Turkey. Building on extensive ethnographic research, Özge Yaka develops a body-centered, phenomenological approach to women's environmental activism and combines it with a relational ontological perspective. In this way, the book pushes beyond the natural resources frame to demonstrate how our corporeal connection to nonhuman entities is constitutive of our more-than-human lifeworld. Fighting for the River takes the human body as a starting point to explore the connection between lived experience and nonhuman environments, treating bodily senses and affects as the media of more-than-human connectivity and political agency. Analyzing local environmental struggles as struggles for coexistence, Yaka frames human-nonhuman relationality as a matter of socio-ecological jTable of ContentsContents List of Illustrations Abbreviations Acknowledgments Introduction: Gender, Body, and Relationality in the Struggle for the Environmental Commons 1. Saving “God’s Water”: Motivations and Dynamics of the Anti-HEPP Struggle 2. Resources, Livelihoods, Lifeworld: Linking Gender and Environment through the Lived Body 3. Sense, Affect, Emotion: Bodily Experiences of River Waters and Emergent Political Agency 4. Place, Body, Memory: River Waters and the Immanence of the Past in the Present 5. Ethics, Ontology, Relationality: Grassroots Environmentalism and the Notion of Socio-Ecological Justice Conclusion: Toward an Ecological Approach to Lifeworld, Sociality, and Agency Appendix Notes References Index
£21.25
Gill The Stream of Everything
Book SynopsisQuietly triumphant.' Donal RyanAmbitious and gentle.' Belinda McKeonA terrific book.' Michael HardingIn May 2020, John Connell finds himself, like so many others, confined to his local area, the opportunity to freely travel and socialise cut short. His attention turns to the Camlin river an ever-present source of life for his town's inhabitants and, for John, a site of boyhood adventure, first love, family history and local legend.He decides to canoe its course with his friend, Sunday Times journalist Peter Geoghegan, a two-day trip requiring physical exertion and mental resilience. As the world grows still around them, the river continues to teem with life a symphony of buzzing mayfly and jumping trout. During their meander downstream, John reflects on his life: his travels, his past relationships and his battle with depression, as well as on Irish folklore, geopolitics and philosophy.The Stream of
£15.29
The History Press Ltd Five Million Tides
Book SynopsisThe forgotten story of Britain’s most southerly haven, from prehistory to the presentTrade ReviewA magnificent celebration of one of Cornwall’s least understood rivers – a book that deserves to be treasured by every lover of this magical landscape and its wealth of extraordinary human stories. -- Dr Rowan Whimster MBEFive Million Tides, with its ebbs and floods, encapsulates the diverse history of the iconic Helford River and its many creeks. Recognised for stunning scenery and unique ecology system, the river is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems stretching from sea to the ancient port of Gweek -- David Barnicoat
£17.00
The History Press Ltd River Folk Tales of Britain and Ireland
Book Synopsis“It’s a collection of whimsical stories that puts the water that runs through our lives at centre-stage.”
£11.69
The History Press Ltd Medway Tales
Book SynopsisThe River Medway has long sustained those who have lived along its banks. Collated by maritime journalist Wilf Lower, Medway Tales: Life on the Dividing River comprises a lively collection of feature articles detailing the people of the Medway and the fascinating stories that they have to tell. Some are newcomers, bringing innovative ideas and crafts, whilst others have spent their lives on the river and have a unique and valuable knowledge of it. Together they create a fascinating social landscape, combining images of a disappearing past with future hopes and aspirations that often includes preservation of traditions. Featuring many previously unpublished photographs, the evolution of life on the river is traced from the older traditional industries through to the newer water leisure activities and the development of tourism. This book is a fascinating miscellany of what was, is, and may be the future of the River Medway.
£13.49
The History Press Ltd Eyots and Aits
Book SynopsisFor 10,000 years the River Thames meandered from source to sea, periodically throwing up mudbanks or carving parallel channels on the bends and creating islands along much of its length. There are around 180 islands altogether, some accessible by footbridge, some by road and others, like Pharaoh''s Island and Garrick's Ait, only by boat. Thirty are inhabited by small settlements, single houses or houseboats, all highly sought-after locations today. Many are important nature reserves; others directly connected to major historical events or famous personalities. Oliver's Eyot was a refuge for Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, whilst Lot's Ait was the unlikely setting for Humphrey Bogart's 1951 film The African Queen, and the legendry Eel Pie Island played a key role in the development of British popular music. These islands, known as Eyots or Aits, form the skeletal backbone of the Thames. In this fascinating and detailed book, Miranda Vickers considers their history and role in helping us understand how the river evolved.
£21.25
The History Press Ltd The Severn Tsunami
Book SynopsisOn 30 January 1607 a huge wave, over 7 meters high, swept up the River Severn, flooding the land on either side. The wall of water reached as far in land as Bristol and Cardiff. It swept away everything in its path, devastating communities and killing thousands of people in what was Britain''s greatest natural disaster. Historian and geographer Mike Hall pieces together the contemporary accounts and the surviving physical evidence to present, for the first time, a comprehensive picture of what actually happened on that fateful day and its consequences. He also examines the possible causes of the disaster: was it just a storm surge or was it, in fact, the only recorded instance of a tsunami in Britain.
£13.49
Schiffer Publishing Ltd James River Reflections
Book SynopsisOver 250 photos and eloquent text reveal the majesty of Virginia''s James River. Explore the river from its humble beginnings on private property to the point where it meets one of the nation''s busiest seaports. See Class V rapids in the heart of Richmond as nowhere else in America. The text includes a final interview of country music legend Jimmy Dean, which took place a short time before his death, and whose estate and final resting place are on the James River. Read remarks from U.S. Senator Mark Warner and other government officials about the river''s importance to Virginia. Learn the historical significance of this beautiful natural resource through anecdotal notes and period photographs.
£23.79
Schiffer Publishing Ltd Rivers of the Eastern Shore 2nd Edition
Book SynopsisThe second edition brings back a beloved 1944 book about the Eastern Shore, with new biographical notes from the author's granddaughter and a foreword by Tom Horton, well-known environmentalist and author of "Turning the Tide"
£23.79
University of Pittsburgh Press Youghiogheny
Book Synopsis
£22.32
Mercier Press Secret Places Of The Shannon
£11.99
John Wiley & Sons Inc Estuarine Ecology
Book SynopsisEstuarine Ecology A detailed and accessible exploration of the fundamentals and the latest advances in estuarine ecology In the newly revised third edition of Estuarine Ecology, a team of distinguished ecologists presents the current knowledge in estuarine ecology with particular emphasis on recent trends and advances. The book is accessible to undergraduate students while also providing a welcome summary of up-to-date content for a more advanced readership. This latest edition is optimized for classroom use, with a more intuitive mode of presentation that takes into account feedback from the previous edition's readers. Review questions and exercises have been added to assist in the learning and retention of complex concepts. Estuarine Ecology remains the gold standard for the discipline by taking stock of the manifold scientific breakthroughs made in the field since the last edition was written. It also offers: Thorough introductions toTable of Contents1. Introduction to Estuarine Ecology 2.Estuarine Geomorphology, Circulation, and Mixing 3. Estuarine Chemistry 4. Estuarine Phytoplankton 5. Estuarine Seagrasses 6. Coastal Marshes 7. Mangrove Wetlands 8. Estuarine Benthic Algae 9. Estuarine Microbial Ecology 10. Estuarine Zooplankton 11. Estuarine Benthos 12. Estuarine Nekton 13. Estuarine Wildlife 14. Estuarine Ecosystem Metabolism 15. Estuarine Food Webs 16. Estuarine Ecological Modeling 17. Estuarine Fisheries and Aquaculture 18. Global Climate Change and Estuarine Systems
£88.16
Penguin Books Ltd How to Fish
Book SynopsisSitting on a riverbank, with rod and line, must count as one of the most relaxing and enjoyable yet occasionally frustrating experiences known to man.Chris Yates discovered the joys of fishing early in life and was quickly hooked by its pleasures. Many years later, he is still content to sit, day after day, observing the quirks of different fish and losing track of time. For him, fishing is much more than just a question of technique; sometimes it's about listening to nothing but your instincts, and at other times it's about enjoying the perfect cup of tea. And it's always about not knowing how the day is going to unfold . . .There's no better guide for the uninitiated and no better companion for those already familiar with the satisfactions of fishing than Chris Yates. And immersing yourself in How To Fish is almost as delightful an activity as fishing itself.
£13.49
Amberley Publishing Rochdale Canal
Book SynopsisWith a wealth of illustrations, John Evans tells the story of Rochdale Canal's history and its revival.Trade Review'No doubt Rochdale Canal will appeal to those with a connection to this northern route, who will particularly value these insights into its recent past.' -- Waterways World, August 2023
£14.39
Headline Publishing Group The Mercenary River
Book SynopsisA revelatory history of one of the UK's much-loved rivers which runs through the world's best-known city, and how it evolved through time to quench Londoner's thirst.Trade ReviewA thoroughly original and gripping book; from the elm-wood pipes of Tudor London, via dragon-like early steam engines, from pioneering reformers to outrageous scoundrels, and finally to the lives of modern Londoners, perplexed as to why Thames Water has yet again had to close a road, to replace cast-iron Victorian pipework with blue tubes, this is a lucid, hugely readable account of the struggle to supply clean water to one of the world's first megacities. The conflicts between private profit and public interest, which go back to Jacobean times, carry on today. Anyone interested in the real London needs to read this. -- Andrew MarrThe first biography of liquid London is a pacey yet scholarly tale of greed versus altruism. Nick Higham breaks new ground in analysing the history of that most fundamental metropolitan element - its water supply. -- Sarah WiseAn enthralling guide to London's most neglected and under-exploited asset. Its day must surely come. -- Simon JenkinsLondon has been called the city of rivers, but for more than a century the capital's watery powers have been built over and then disregarded. In this multi-faceted work, Higham swims through the centuries to show how integral water has been to the creation of an industrial powerhouse, and how the historic struggle between private enterprise and public good continues to float the market. A masterful achievement. -- Judith FlandersA painstakingly researched account of how contemporary incompetence and private-interest greed in the water industry is reflected in a long and fascinating history of adventuring, double-dealing, political corruption and short-termism set against the efforts of visionary engineers and prophets. Beyond that, a story told with cracking momentum. And great respect for the charms of our lost and culverted rivers. -- Iain SinclairThe Mercenary River is a gruesome yet fascinating tale of how London came to be supplied with water. -- Adrian Tinniswood * Daily Telegraph *Higham takes the reader through three centuries of life in a thirsty city, judiciously blending social, scientific and engineering history while also describing the successes and failures drawing on his skills as a journalist... but also weaving into his work larger, more complex issues... each chapter is detailed, diverse and engaging... it is clear that [Higham] spent a considerable amount of time in the archives to provide the reader with this fascinating account of an important and somewhat neglected aspect of metropolitan history. -- Lee Jackson * Literary Review *Higham's book proves a consistently fascinating read for all those curious about London's history. * Daily Mail *It's well written... and extensively researched... This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in social and industrial history. The Mercenary River is very readable, extremely informative and a very enjoyable book. * Portobello Book Blog *A round of applause for journalist Nick Higham... [he] has transformed pages of detailed research through three centuries of water history papers in the London Metropolitan Archives into a fascinating page-turner of a book... This is a magnificent book for anyone fascinated by the history of London, engineering, politics, human endeavour, and our challenging relationship with water. -- Wendy Tobitt * The Thames Guardian *[A] magnificent history . . . The pages are littered with facts, anecdotes and knitted together in a compelling, informed and at times witty narrative. There's nothing dry about The Mercenary River! -- David Winskill * Ham & High, Hackney Gazette, Islington Gazette *
£20.90
Headline Publishing Group The Mercenary River
Book SynopsisAnyone interested in the real London needs to read this. - Andrew MarrNo city can survive without water, and lots of it. Today we take the stuff for granted: turn a tap and it gushes out. But it wasn''t always so. For centuries London, one of the largest and richest cities in the world, struggled to supply its citizens with reliable, clean water. The Mercenary River tells the story of that struggle from the middle ages to the present day. Based on new research, it tells a tale of remarkable technological, scientific and organisational breakthroughs; but also a story of greed and complacency, high finance and low politics. Among the breakthroughs was the picturesque New River, neither new nor a river but a state of the art aqueduct completed in 1613 and still part of London''s water supply: the company that built it was one of the very first modern business corporations, and also one of the most profitablTrade ReviewA thoroughly original and gripping book; from the elm-wood pipes of Tudor London, via dragon-like early steam engines, from pioneering reformers to outrageous scoundrels, and finally to the lives of modern Londoners, perplexed as to why Thames Water has yet again had to close a road, to replace cast-iron Victorian pipework with blue tubes, this is a lucid, hugely readable account of the struggle to supply clean water to one of the world's first megacities. The conflicts between private profit and public interest, which go back to Jacobean times, carry on today. Anyone interested in the real London needs to read this. -- Andrew MarrThe first biography of liquid London is a pacey yet scholarly tale of greed versus altruism. Nick Higham breaks new ground in analysing the history of that most fundamental metropolitan element - its water supply. -- Sarah WiseAn enthralling guide to London's most neglected and under-exploited asset. Its day must surely come. -- Simon JenkinsLondon has been called the city of rivers, but for more than a century the capital's watery powers have been built over and then disregarded. In this multi-faceted work, Higham swims through the centuries to show how integral water has been to the creation of an industrial powerhouse, and how the historic struggle between private enterprise and public good continues to float the market. A masterful achievement. -- Judith FlandersA painstakingly researched account of how contemporary incompetence and private-interest greed in the water industry is reflected in a long and fascinating history of adventuring, double-dealing, political corruption and short-termism set against the efforts of visionary engineers and prophets. Beyond that, a story told with cracking momentum. And great respect for the charms of our lost and culverted rivers. -- Iain SinclairThe Mercenary River is a gruesome yet fascinating tale of how London came to be supplied with water. -- Adrian Tinniswood * Daily Telegraph *Higham takes the reader through three centuries of life in a thirsty city, judiciously blending social, scientific and engineering history while also describing the successes and failures drawing on his skills as a journalist... but also weaving into his work larger, more complex issues... each chapter is detailed, diverse and engaging... it is clear that [Higham] spent a considerable amount of time in the archives to provide the reader with this fascinating account of an important and somewhat neglected aspect of metropolitan history. -- Lee Jackson * Literary Review *Higham's book proves a consistently fascinating read for all those curious about London's history. * Daily Mail *It's well written... and extensively researched... This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in social and industrial history. The Mercenary River is very readable, extremely informative and a very enjoyable book. * Portobello Book Blog *A round of applause for journalist Nick Higham... [he] has transformed pages of detailed research through three centuries of water history papers in the London Metropolitan Archives into a fascinating page-turner of a book... This is a magnificent book for anyone fascinated by the history of London, engineering, politics, human endeavour, and our challenging relationship with water. -- Wendy Tobitt * The Thames Guardian *[A] magnificent history . . . The pages are littered with facts, anecdotes and knitted together in a compelling, informed and at times witty narrative. There's nothing dry about The Mercenary River! -- David Winskill * Ham & High, Hackney Gazette, Islington Gazette *
£11.69
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Lochs of Scotland
Book SynopsisThere are at least 31,460 freshwater lochs in Scotland, and hundreds of sea lochs. This stunning book showcases more than 50 of the most popular, interesting and beautiful, and is a perfect guide for anyone visiting or exploring Scotland, or wanting to find out about these iconic and breathtaking locations, sometimes sitting by spectacular coast and other times nestled in between towering mountains. Take in the classics such as Loch Ness and Loch Lomond, then meander round Loch Fyne (where red squirrels were first reintroduced to Scotland in 1847), the long Loch Long (20km and the straightest in Scotland), the fjord-like Loch Goil, and Scotland''s oldest inhabited castle at Loch Sween. Discover the stunning Loch Awe (with its less attractive legend of the goddess who created it being transformed into an immortal hag), Loch Linnhe (bordered by the stunning railway line used for the filming of Harry Potter''s Hogwart''s Express) and Loch Nevis (Europe''s deepest sea locTrade ReviewFrom spectacular coasts to mountain nooks, this inspiring book showcases 50 of the msot interesting lochs that frame the landscape of Scotland...the perfect guide for anyone wanted to know more about these iconic locations. * Countryside Magazine *A comprehensive guide to 50 of Scotland's lochs * The Scotsman Magazine *Packed with maps and information on local facilities, this book is a really useful guide for boaters, walkers, and anyone wanting to know more about these iconic and breathtaking locations. * Sailing Today *fascinating... thanks to this book, I am now much more knowledgable about the 50 lochs featured in this splendid voyage of discovery introducing the wonderful world of Scottish lochs. * Best of British *a comprehensive guide... packed with photos, maps and information on local facilities. * Practical Boat Owner *Unrivalled scenery, unique wildlife and spacious landscapes are what Scotland’s iconic lochs are all about…a good reader for walkers and boaters. * Coast *The ultimate guide to Scotland’s lochs for both boaters and walkers. * Evergreen *The presentation of this book is excellent, with detailed maps and much information on local facilities, while the photography is superlative. * Waterways World *
£17.09
McFarland & Co Inc Three Rivers
Book Synopsis Kentucky is richly blessed with rivers. This book tells the stories of three of the most beautiful and historic: the Rolling Fork, the Nolin, and the Rough. Each is an unpredictable force of nature flowing through a land that varies from wide, sunny meadows to dark, rock-bound hollows. Chapters describe the people who lived in the river valleys, including pioneers, frontier preachers, a future president, cave explorers, Confederate and Union soldiers, desperate killers, hardscrabble farmers, and inspired visionaries. Sometimes they were wasteful and violent and vain; at other times they were inventive and graceful and kind. Their descendants realized that survival had come to mean something new: living in harmony with the land and the rivers. Table of Contents Table of Contents Acknowledgments vii Preface 1 Part One—The Rolling Fork Introduction 5 One. The Struggle Begins 7 Two. Trailblazers 12 Three. Whiskey and Salt 22 Four. The Catholics Arrive 27 Five. The Struggles of Thomas Lincoln 34 Six. Steamboats and Railroads 41 Seven. Thunder in the Valley 46 Eight. Struggling Just to Live 60 Nine. Too Dry, Then Too Wet 64 Ten. The Rolling Fork Today 71 Part Two—The Nolin River Introduction 83 Eleven. The First People 85 Twelve. The River Gets a New Name 90 Thirteen. Devil on the Loose 96 Fourteen. Two Presidents, Two Fathers 103 Fifteen. The Remarkable Stephen 109 Sixteen. Blue and Gray on the Nolin 118 Seventeen. The Prosperous Years 129 Eighteen. Progress 139 Nineteen. Hard Times 145 Twenty. The Nolin Today 152 Part Three—Rough River Introduction 159 Twenty-One. The Legend of Spanish Fort 160 Twenty-Two. Settlers and Speculators 163 Twenty-Three. Murder at Pine Knob 174 Twenty-Four. Falls of Rough 182 Twenty-Five. The Price of War 189 Twenty-Six. Confederates 200 Twenty-Seven. Sinews of Steel 207 Twenty-Eight. Dying Time 218 Twenty-Nine. That High, Lonesome Sound 225 Thirty. Rough River Today 234 Chapter Notes 241 Bibliography and Note to Readers 259 Index 273
£27.54
New York University Press Toxic Lake
Book SynopsisThe environmental history of the most polluted lake in America.Native Americans have long regarded Onondaga Lake as one of the most sacred spaces in the continent, the place where peace between nations was achieved and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy was created. In the mid-twentieth century, however, it acquired a wholly different reputation as the most polluted lake in America. Toxic Lake is an environmental history of this complex ecological system, tracking how it was tarnished, the costly efforts to clean it up, and the controversies those efforts generated. Thomas Shevory argues that the history of Onondaga Lake mirrors the larger environmental history of the US, from colonization to the industrial era, resulting, eventually, in the rise of social movements and legislative action for environmental protection. Layered within this history is the dismissal of indigenous land claims and the marginalization of indigenous voices in clean-up efforts. Toxic Lake illustrates that the failTrade ReviewWe need more studies like Toxic Lake—up close, detailed accounts of such degraded sites and possible solutions. ‘The devil is in the details,’ they say, and it is important to exorcize the devils. It is particularly valuable to see a book that gives attention to possible ways to move toward restoration, that understands that politics matter, and that acknowledges the ‘indigenous wisdom’ of the Onondaga people seeking a seat at the table. * Martin V. Melosi, author of Fresh Kills: A History of Consuming and Discarding in New York City *Thomas Shevory’s masterful environmental history of North America’s most notoriously polluted lake recounts everything from the Onondaga foundational mythology to the financially driven pitfalls which plagued the recently ‘completed,’ government-mandated clean-up efforts. With laser focus and lighter whimsy, Shevory’s research provides every detail from pollution particulates to personal politics. If only we took seriously the voices of the original Native stewards of this toxic lake, our government might have conducted a more comprehensive and healthier cleanup for all people and all else on this planet. * Joseph Alexiou, author of Gowanus: Brooklyn’s Curious Canal *
£21.59
Rowman & Littlefield Rivers of America
Book SynopsisFrom perpetually snow-capped peaks to stifling deserts below sea-level, the Colorado cuts the deepest and truest cross-section through the heart of the continent.It flows through time as well as space. At the bottom of the Grand Canyon lies one of the early layers of the earth''s crust. The cliff dwellers'' civilization, and the rise and fall of the great pueblos were only a brief moment in its history. Later came the Spaniards, and then the trappers and prospectors. Not so long ago the Indians battled to defend their invaded country and new technological developments--the greatest is which is Boulder Dam--are beginning to change the face of a region other generations were unable to alter. Frank Waters, a native to Colorado, has brought to his book an understanding of the relation between man and nature which is part of his Indian heritage.
£12.59
Rowman & Littlefield Field Guide to Rivers Streams
Book SynopsisRivers and the ecosystems they support have always captivated humans, leading curious scientists to broaden our understanding with ongoing research. In Explorer's Guide to Rivers and Streams, Dr. Ryan Utz (Chatham University) presents a broad scientific understanding of rivers, streams, and the animals that reside within them, written accessibly for a general audience. Topics range from what causes river flows to rise and fall to the ecology of riverine fishes. Kayakers, anglers, and hikers alike will find many tools within Explorer's Guide to Rivers and Streams to deepen their understanding of their favorite waterway.
£18.04
Lexington Books Australian Wetland Cultures
Book SynopsisAmong the most productive ecosystems on earth, wetlands are also some of the most vulnerable. Australian Wetland Cultures argues for the cultural value of wetlands. Through a focus on swamps and their conservation, the volume makes a unique contribution to the growing interdisciplinary field of the environmental humanities. The authors investigate the crucial role of swamps in Australian society through the idea of wetland cultures. The broad historical and cultural range of the book spans pre-settlement indigenous Australian cultures, nineteenth-century European colonization, and contemporary Australian engagements with wetland habitats. The contributors situate the Australian emphasis in international cultural and ecological contexts. Case studies from Perth, Western Australia, provide practical examples of the conservation of wetlands as sites of interlinked natural and cultural heritage. The volume will appeal to readers with interests in anthropology, Australian studies, cultural Table of ContentsList of Figures Acknowledgments Credits Pt I Australian Wetland Cultures The Swamp Nandi Chinna Racecourse Lagoon, Uralla, New South Wales John C. Ryan Ch 1 Introduction to Australian Wetland Humanities: Thinking About (and With) Swamps John Charles Ryan and Li Chen Ch 2 Rainbow Serpent Anthropology, or Rainbow Spirit Theology, or Swamp Serpent Sacrality and Marsh Monster Maternity? Rod Giblett Ch 3 Artist and Swamp: Wetlands in Australian Painting and Photography Rod Giblett Ch 4 Poet and Swamp: Wetlands in Australian Verse John Charles Ryan Ch 5 Plant and Swamp: The Biocultural Histories of Five Australian Hydrophytes John Charles Ryan Pt II Western Australian Wetland Cultures Beeliar Nandi Chinna Three Wetland Poems by John Kinsella, Dedicated to J.P. Quinton Poem for the Gathering The Trees Along Bibra Lake Resisting from Within the Green Tent at Bibra Drive, Beeliar (For James) Ch 6 Environmental Activism and Wetlands Conservation in Western Australia Philip Jennings Ch 7 Where Fanny Balbuk Walked: Reenvisioning Perth’s Wetlands John Charles Ryan, Danielle Brady, and Christopher Kueh Ch 8 The Cultural Significance of Wetlands: Perth’s Lost Swamps to the Beeliar Wetlands Danielle Brady and Jeffrey Murray Ch 9 Swamp-philia and Paludal Heroism: The Passion of Wetland Conservationists in Australia and Elsewhere John Charles Ryan and Li Chen Power of Deluge Glen Phillips Ch 10 Epilogue: Twenty-Five Years of Wetland Studies in the Humanities Rod Giblett About the Contributors
£81.00
Vintage Publishing The Amur River: Between Russia and China
Book SynopsisIn his eightieth year, Colin Thubron takes a dramatic and often treacherous journey from the Amur's secret source to its giant mouth, covering almost 3,000 miles.'Thubron on top form. Richly detailed, immaculately written and full of insights and encounters that bring a complex corner of the world to life' MICHAEL PALINRising in the Mongolian mountains and flowing through Siberia to the Pacific, the Amur River forms the tense border between Russia and China. This is the most densely fortified frontier on Earth.Harassed by injury and by arrest from the local police, Thubron makes his way along both the Russian and Chinese shores. By the time he reaches the river's desolate end, a whole, pivotal world has come alive.'A masterpiece' William Dalrymple'Unforgettable' Antony Beevor'An epic journey along a frozen, fraught frontier... Fascinating' The Times'This book is a triumph' Daily TelegraphWinner of the Stanford Dolman Travel Book of the Year Award 2022Trade ReviewA miraculous late-style masterpiece, the equal of any of [Thubron's] earlier works, which will cement his reputation as one of our greatest prose writers in any genre... The Amur River is not just a literary triumph in itself, it is also a demonstration of the continued power of great travel writing -- William Dalrymple * Daily Telegraph *A fascinating read packed with curiosities and incident * The Times *Thubron's journey makes for a gripping read...with fascinating political insight * Sunday Times *Excellent... Thubron's observations are perceptive and lightly delivered * Literary Review *[Thubron] summons both landscape and people with nuanced sensitivity... Here is a writer at the top of his game, one from whom those toiling on the lower slopes have much to learn * Spectator *
£10.44
John Murray Press Mississippi Solo: A John Murray Journey
Book SynopsisINTRODUCED BY ADAM WEYMOUTH, award-winning author of The Kings of Yukon'A wonderful book -- and a highly original contribution to the literature of travel' PAUL THEROUX'The Mississippi. Mighty, muddy, dangerous, rebellious and yet a strong, fathering kind of river. The river captured my imagination when I was young and has never let go.' Mississippi Solo tells the story of one man's voyage by canoe down the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico - a longtime dream, and a journey of over 2,000 miles through the heart of America. Paddling into the Southern states - going from 'where there ain't no black folks to where they still don't like us much' - Eddy is confronted by the legacy of slavery and modern racism, including an incident with a pair of shotgun-toting bigots. There are also the dangers of passing barges, wild dogs roaming the wooded shore, and navigating a waterway that grows vaster, and more hazardous, every day. But Eddy also encounters immense human kindness, friendship and hospitality, as well as coming to know the majestic power - and the awesome dangers - of the river itself. Mississippi Solo is an unforgettable American adventure.
£11.69
Menasha Ridge Press Inc. Canoeing & Kayaking Florida
Book SynopsisGet the authoritative guide to the waterways of Florida, featuring almost all of the state’s paddleable waterways in 73 river profiles. From the exciting and beautiful runs of the Panhandle’s Econfina Creek to slower floats through wildlife-rich Everglades National Park, the best way to experience the Sunshine State is by paddle! Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is the most comprehensive guide to the best of Florida’s unique streams, springs, creeks, rivers, and coastal waterways. Written by acclaimed author and adventurer Johnny Molloy, the guidebook provides engaging and concise information, while offering carefully selected details vital to a successful paddling trip. For more than 35 years, Canoeing & Kayaking Florida has been a trusted source for paddlers. This updated edition presents paddling destinations like Seven Runs, a secluded tributary of the Choctawhatchee River; quiet, coastal Shell Creek; and the mighty Apalachicola River, with big sandbars, big hills, and a fast current. Those looking for still-water locales will enjoy secluded places such as Stagger Mud Lake. Inside you’ll find: Details on 73 top paddling trips River profiles with maps and contact information Recommended runs for novice paddlers, trips with children, overnight trips, and more At-a-glance data including river class, length, and time GPS coordinates for all river put-ins and takeouts Canoeing & Kayaking Florida is simply the best and most informative Florida paddling guide. Wet your paddle and whet your taste for outdoor adventure!Table of ContentsDedication Acknowledgments Preface Overview Map River-Locator Map Key Introduction Part One: The Western Panhandle Perdido River Coldwater Creek Sweetwater Creek and Juniper Creek Blackwater River Yellow River Shoal River Seven Runs Choctawhatchee River Holmes Creek Econfina Creek of Washington and Bay Counties Chipola River Part Two: The Central Panhandle Apalachicola River Ochlockonee River Sopchoppy River Graham Creek and East River Doyle Creek Owl Creek River Styx New River Lost Creek Part Three: The Big Bend Wakulla River St. Marks River Wacissa River Aucilla River Econfina River of Taylor County Steinhatchee River Part Four: The Northern Peninsula Withlacoochee River (North) Suwannee River Santa Fe River Ichetucknee River St. Marys River Black Creek North Fork Black Creek Part Five: The Central Peninsula Withlacoochee River (South) Rainbow River Silver River Ocklawaha River Alexander Springs and Alexander Springs Creek Juniper Springs and Juniper Creek Salt Springs and Salt Springs Run Blue Creek Stagger Mud Lake St. Johns River and St. Francis Dead River Part Six: The Central Highlands Wekiva River and Rock Springs Run Black Water Creek and Lake Norris Econlockhatchee River Shingle Creek Arbuckle Creek Peace River Fisheating Creek Part Seven: The Atlantic Coast Pellicer Creek Bulow Creek Tomoka River Spruce Creek Turkey Creek South Prong of the St. Sebastian River South Fork of the St. Lucie River Loxahatchee River Part Eight: The Southwest Gulf Coast Weeki Wachee River Hillsborough River Alafia River Little Manatee River Manatee River Myakka River Prairie Creek Shell Creek Caloosahatchee River and Hickey Creek Estero River Part Nine: The Everglades Blackwater River at Collier-Seminole State Park Everglades National Park and the Wilderness Waterway Turner River Canoe Trail Nine-Mile Pond Canoe Trail Noble Hammock Canoe Trail Part Ten: Appendixes Appendix A: Outfitters Appendix B: Safety Code of American Whitewater Glossary Index About the Author
£16.14
University of Delaware Press Rivers in Russian Literature
Book SynopsisRivers in Russian Literature focuses on the Russian literary and folkloric treatment of five rivers—the Dnieper, Volga, Neva, Don, and Angara. Each chapter traces, within a geographical and historical context, the evolution of the literary representation of one river. Imagination may endow a river with aesthetic or spiritual qualities; ethnic, national, or racial associations; or commercial or agricultural symbolism of many kinds. Russian literary responses to these five rivers have much to tell us about the society that produced them as well as the rivers they treat. Published by University of Delaware Press. Distributed worldwide by Rutgers University Press. Trade Review"An excellent example of using folklore, literary, and historical sources to reveal past and present representations of Russian rivers."— Dorothy Zeisler-Vralsted, Eastern Washington University, author of Rivers, Memory, and Nation-Building: A History of the Volga and the Mississippi RiversTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. The Dnieper 2. The Volga 3. The Neva 4. The Don 5. The Angara Conclusion Notes Selected Bibliography Index
£73.60
Rowman & Littlefield The Everglades: Stories of Grit and Spirit from
Book Synopsis
£17.99
Rowman & Littlefield The Springs of Florida: A Natural History and
Book Synopsis
£17.09
Greystone Books,Canada River Notes: A Natural and Human History of the
Book SynopsisAt a time when the Colorado River and all those who depend on it are in peril, this urgent book offers "both a love song and a paean of regret to America's most spectacular river" (Denver Post) and "a plea to save [it] before it’s too late" (The Wall Street Journal).From bestselling author, long-time former National Geographic Explorer, and anthropologist Wade Davis comes the story of America’s Nile: how it once flowed freely and how human intervention has left it near exhaustion, altering the water temperature, volume, local species, and shoreline of the river Theodore Roosevelt once urged us to "leave it as it is."Plugged by no fewer than twenty-five dams, the Colorado is the world’s most regulated river drainage, providing most of the water supply of Las Vegas, Tucson, and San Diego, and much of the power and water of Los Angeles and Phoenix, cities that are home to more than 25 million people. If it ceased flowing, the water held in its reservoirs might hold out for three to four years, but after that it would be necessary to abandon most of southern California and Arizona, and much of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. For the entire American Southwest, the Colorado is indeed the river of life, which makes it all the more tragic and ironic that by the time it approaches its final destination, it has been reduced to a shadow upon the sand, its delta dry and deserted, its flow a toxic trickle seeping into the sea.Yet despite more than a century of human interference, Davis writes, the splendor of the Colorado lives on in the river’s remaining wild rapids, quiet pools, and sweeping canyons. The story of the Colorado River is the human quest for progress and its inevitable effects—and an opportunity to learn from past mistakes and foster the rebirth of America’s most iconic waterway. A beautifully told story of historical adventure and natural beauty, River Notes is a fascinating journey down the river and through mankind’s complicated and destructive relationship with one of its greatest natural resources.Published in Partnership with the David Suzuki Institute.Trade Review"Often lyrically, Davis bemoans the state of a river that has been hemmed in so that cities including Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tucson and Phoenix can switch on their lights and have their taps flow.... He does a good job of showing how we are all connected to this river, whether we recognize it or not."—Washington Post"Above all, the book—by turns lyrical, elegiac and combative—is a plea to save the Colorado River before it is too late."—Wall Street Journal"River Notes is both a love song and a paean of regret to America's most spectacular river. Wade Davis weaves his own story of running the river with history, geology and quotations from those who knew it in its free days. This is also a warning about how easy it is to lose America's precious landscape."—Denver Post"River Notes: A Natural and Human History of the Colorado is both a requiem for a river lost and a tale of a river rebounding. Wade Davis floods our imagination not just with facts but stories, the kind of stories that enter our bloodstream with the memory of red water and the force of erosion. River Notes is a literary and historical testament to change, one that believes in the sustaining power of reciprocity over greed, while giving us an adventure story through time. The first six pages of this book will break your heart. The remaining pages will repair what has been broken."—Terry Tempest Williams, author of Refuge and When Women Were Birds"Many have followed the lead of pioneering river boatman John Wesley Powell in writing about their journeys on the Colorado River. But globe-circling ethnographer and best-selling writer Davis (One River, 1996; Into the Silence, 2011) brings unique expertise and a penetrating perspective to his enlightening expedition chronicle. A former river guide, Davis experiences the river's raw power when he pilots a raft through daunting rapids. A passionate scholar, he is equally dramatic in recounting his travels through the records of the region's volatile geologic past and rich history of diverse societies and cultural collisions. Native American tribes share the belief that 'rivers are sacred lifelines.' Mormons were the first, 'in defiance of all logic,' to attempt to tame the river. The Colorado, now harnessed with 25 dams, precariously supports 30 million people, from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. With hard facts and river adventures rendered in gorgeous prose, Davis exposes the vulnerability of the Colorado in our time of drought and global warming in the hope that his findings will inspire the restoration and protection of this crucial river."—Donna Seaman, Booklist
£13.49
Templar Publishing Rivers: An incredible journey from source to sea
Book SynopsisFrom source to sea, go on a breath-taking adventure along a river and explore some of the greatest waterways of the world, with fold-out pages.Rivers flow across every continent on our planet, shaping the land and bringing life. Towns, cities and entire civilisations have grown up on their banks, from the Ancient Mesopotamians 5,000 years ago. Turn the pages to follow the incredible journey of a river from its source in high up in the mountains, along its gorges, through its valleys, down its waterfalls and into the sea. Explore the river's geography, discover the unique wildlife it supports, see how the waterways have shaped our world - and how we have shaped them.Featuring fold-out pages of six great rivers from around the world: Amazon (South America), Nile (Africa), Mississippi (North America), Rhine (Europe), Ganges (Asia) and Murray (Australia).Written by self-confessed explorer and children's author Simon Chapman, expertly checked by river ecologist François Edwards and beautifully illustrated by Qu Lan.Trade ReviewWith six spectacular fold-out sections depicting The Nile, Rhine, Amazon, Mississippi, Ganges and Murray rivers this highly illustrated large format hardback is packed with accessible information about the environment, topography, impact of humans, and unique features of each watercourse. Highly recommended for KS2. * School Reading List *Highly recommended for use in class, or to enjoy at home, whether bought (because who wouldn't want a copy?) or borrowed from a library. * ReadingZone *This beautiful book is perfect for future pub quiz champions, with fold-out pages of 6 rivers. * Saturday Times *
£13.59
Lexington Books Wetlands and Western Cultures: Denigration to
Book SynopsisIn Wetlands and Western Cultures: Denigration to Conservation, Rod Giblett examines the portrayal of wetlands in Western culture and argues for their conservation. Giblett’s analysis of the wetland motif in literature and the arts, including in Beowulf and the writings of Tolkien and Thoreau, demonstrates two approaches to wetlands—their denigration as dead or their commendation as living waters with a potent cultural history.Trade ReviewWetlands and Western Cultures is a visceral and imaginative foray into the connectivities between landscape and human civilization across time. Rod Giblett gracefully traces our collective changing attitudes toward, and appropriation of, wetland ecosystems from ‘drain and reclaim’ narratives to a growing awareness of the necessity of embedding wetlands within sustainable and regenerative futures. This beautifully sculpted work serves as a reminder of the intractable relationship which exists between nature and culture with humans acting as both conduit and fabricator. -- Mary Gearey, University of BrightonTable of ContentsIntroduction: An Invitation for Wading into WetlandsPART 1: WETLANDS AND -OLOGIESChapter 1: Theology of Wetlands: Tolkien, Beowulf, and Milton on Marshes and Their MonstersChapter 2: Psychology of Wetlands: Mourning, Melancholy, and MarshesPART II: WETLANDS, ART, AND CULTUREChapter 3: Wetland Cultures of the English Fens: Politics, Painting, Poetry, Prose, and Art HistoryChapter 4: Wetland Cultures of ‘Australia Felix’: From Mountain Ranges and Landscape Painting to Wetland Places in Environmental ArtworkChapter 5: Wetland Cultures of ‘Western Australia Felix’: From Mountain Range and Landscape Aesthetics to Wetland Womb in Environmental ArtworkPART III: WETLANDS AND CITIES Chapter 6: The Birth of Sydney and the Death of its WetlandsChapter 7: Water in Urban Waterscapes and Wetlands in London and MelbournePART IV: WETLANDS AND NATURE WRITINGChapter 8: Henry David Thoreau: The Patron Saint of SwampsChapter 9: Farewell: Nature writing and Black Swan Lake
£72.90
Bradt Travel Guides Walking the Wharfe: An ode to a Yorkshire river
Book SynopsisIn a world of globetrotting explorers and record-breaking journeys - of which he has been part himself - Johno Ellison decided to return to his roots and walk the entire length of the River Wharfe, the Yorkshire waterway beside which he grew up. In his new book for Bradt, Walking the Wharfe, Ellison retraces the steps of Victorian author Edmund Bogg to investigate how the riverscape and its communities have evolved during the intervening 120 years. While wild camping, meeting modern-day Vikings, wartime ghosts and the fearless 'Dales Dippers', and learning how not to deal with a herd of over-inquisitive cows, Ellison encounters a microcosm of English history and culture. Starting in the Vale of York, Ellison walks upstream to explore the region's Viking and Roman heritage, as well as more modern developments such as Tadcaster's disastrous bridge collapse in 2015. He examines a profusion of Victorian spa towns, considers the impact of the Industrial Revolution and enjoys rare wildlife such as red kites and an otter, creatures that have returned to the area following successful conservation initiatives. Traversing the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including along the Dales Way long-distance footpath, Ellison is first bewitched by local legends of giants, trolls and witches, then seduced into wild swimming in a chilly river - albeit not the Strid, a section of the Wharfe notorious worldwide for reportedly drowning everyone who has ever tumbled into it - before seeking refuge in a candlelit pub during a storm that caused a power blackout. During his ascent, Ellison learns from a family who have farmed the Yorkshire hills for five generations before reaching the Wharfe's trickling source amid a vast boggy moorland. This enchanting travelogue is a must-read for anyone interested in nature, 'the great outdoors', or English history and culture. Residents and fans of Yorkshire will love it, as will anyone who has hiked the Dales Way. Above all, by combining personal connections with journalistic curiosity and a nose for a story, Walking the Wharfe affirms that even lesser-known parts of the small island of Britain can hold their own against renowned tourist sites the world over.Trade Review"In Walking the Wharfe, Johno Ellison shows that adventure is very much a state of mind, uncovering interesting tales and tackling challenges in his own backyard." - Ed Stafford, author, Walking the Amazon "A fascinating exploration of a beautiful corner of England. Johno Ellison writes a poetic love letter to the river of his roots with this enchanting walk along one of the country's hidden gems." - Alastair Humphreys, author and adventurerTable of ContentsPreface Bogg's Book Chapter1 75,000 Gallons of Ale Cawood to Ryther Chapter 2 Fenton Jumping Ryther to Ozendyke Chapter 3 The Great Heathen Army Ozendyke to Kirkby Wharfe Chapter 4 A Town Divided Kirkby Wharfe to Tadcaster Chapter 5 'I don't knaw owt aboot t' Romans' Tadcaster to Thorp Arch Chapter 6 'Nothing more beautiful and truly English can be imagined' Thorp Arch to Boston Spa Chapter 7 'He loves every human being, 'cept other dogs' Boston Spa to Wetherby Chapter 8 The Best Pub in Yorkshire Wetherby to Linton Chapter 9 'Avoid this place as you would a plague' Linton to Netherby Deep Chapter 10 Beware, Rombald's Wife Netherby Deep to Rougemont Chapter 11 'T'Owd Chief' Rougemont to Pool Bank Chapter 12 Hannibal Crossing the Chevin Pool Bank to Farnley Chapter 13 A Friend of the Navvies Farnley to Otley Chapter 14 'Ow Much?! Otley to Burley-in-Wharfedale Chapter 15 All Along the Ilkley Moor Burley-in-Wharfedale to Ilkley Chapter 16 A Prize-winning Heifer Ilkley to Addingham Chapter 17 England's Killer Creek Addingham to the Strid Chapter 18 Of Trolls and Wolves The Strid to Appletreewick Chapter 19 Maypoles and Hogbacks Appletreewick to Loup Scar Chapter 20 The Dancing Reverend Loup Scar to Ghaistrill's Strid Chapter 21 Dane's Blood and Kilnsey Nan Ghaistrill's Strid to Littondale Chapter 22 Wartime Ghosts Littondale to Kettlewell Chapter 23 The Beast of Buckden Kettlewell to Hubberholme Chapter 24 Giant's Grave Hubberholme to Nethergill Chapter 25 'Child of the clouds' Nethergill to Cam Fell Chapter 26 'Adieu to hills, glens and river'? Wharfe's Mouth to the source About the Author Acknowledgements
£9.49
Transworld Publishers Ltd Wild Fell: Fighting for nature on a Lake District
Book Synopsis'I found myself turning the pages with an inward leap of joy' - Isabella Tree*WINNER of the Richard Jefferies Award for Nature Writing**Shortlisted for the James Cropper Wainwright Prize for Conservation*'Exquisite' GUARDIANIt was a tragic day for the nation's wildlife when England's last and loneliest golden eagle died in an unmarked spot among the remote eastern fells of the Lake District. But the fight to restore the landscape had already begun.Lee Schofield, ecologist and site manager for RSPB Haweswater, is leading efforts to breathe life back into two hill farms and their thirty square kilometres of sprawling upland habitat.Informed by the land, its turbulent history and the people who have shaped it, Lee and his team are repairing damaged wetlands, meadows and woods. Each year, the landscape is becoming richer, wilder and better able to withstand the shocks of a changing climate.But in the contested landscape of the Lake District, change is not always welcomed, and success relies on finding a balance between rewilding and respecting cherished farming traditions. This is not only a story of an ecosystem in recovery, it is also the story of Lee's personal connection to place, and the highs and lows of working for nature amid fierce opposition.Trade ReviewA thrilling, inspiring journey into the restoration of our uplands. I found myself turning the pages with an inward leap of joy. Reasoned, intelligent, compassionate, well-informed, this is a story of hope and renewal for both nature and farming. -- Isabella TreeAuthentic, honest and clear-sighted - Lee Schofield offers a practical and hopeful example of how to return nature to all our landscapes using imagination, compromise, humility and sheer hard work. This is an important book and fully deserves its place alongside James Rebanks and other contemporary Lakeland classics. -- Patrick BarkhamA passionate, haunting yet optimistic account of the battle to heal a damaged landscape and restore nature to a corner of the Lake District. -- Dave GoulsonIn a country defined as the seventh most nature depleted on Earth, in a region plagued by flooding and climate-chaos, here comes Lee Schofield's brilliant book full of positive action and hope for the future. Wild Fell is a record of environmental achievement, of the RSPB's mission to restore the places and wild nature of Haweswater. But it's also a political tract, and throws down a gauntlet to us all to make the Lake District a national park that is genuinely worthy of the title. -- Mark CockerAs the competing needs of agriculture and conservation jostle for ascendency, land management in Britain has reached a tipping point. Candid, raw and searingly honest, Lee Schofield offers a naturalist's perspective of the challenges unfolding in the ancient yet ever-changing landscape of Haweswater and shares with us his gloriously vibrant vision for the future. -- Katharine NorburySaving nature is a tough job. In Wild Fell we get to understand why people do it: real soul-deep passion. -- Simon BarnesExhilarating... His writing, like the extinct, extant and envisioned landscapes he describes, is studded with moments of immense beauty - you can almost smell rock and moss and nectar, hear butterflies and grasshoppers flit and whirr, feel the shadow of a great wing passing between you and the sun. * British Wildlife *Wild Fell leaves you in no doubt that if we don't protect our wild blooms, there won't be any bugs and there won't be any birds and, ultimately, any people. * BBC Countryfile Magazine *Warm, personal, political and detailed, Wild Fell invites people into the evolving conversation about the future of our natural world. * Cumbria Life *Like the rivers it has rebent, the Haweswater project is re-wiggling farming into a more sustainable alignment with nature. And by similarly refusing to operate in siloed straight lines, Schofield's own journey towards greater collaboration may have lessons to teach both of the UK's rural tribes. * New Statesman *Schofield is a delightfully companionable guide - evoking huge vistas alongside small, exquisite, multisensory details - you can almost inhale the scent of thyme and warm rock wafting from the pages. -- Amy Jane Beer * Guardian *Wild Fell documents a powerful journey through a bruised, beloved English landscape, expertly told from Lee's unique perspective. Sensitive, full of empathy and charged with a fierce, solution-based vision for a restorative, productive future alongside the natural world. I felt utterly compelled by his wise, deft prose, and am so grateful this book has been written. A remarkable debut. -- Sophie PavelleBeautifully written, with an urgent sense of the need to protect our endangered landscape, this is a manifesto for a wilder future. * Daily Mail *Not all farming is toxic. Even rewilders should be able to admire the survival of the cultural tradition of Herdwick sheep farming in the Cumbrian uplands. Read Schofield and make up your own mind. His story of managing the land around Haweswater, in the eastern fells, is compelling... It's an idyll every bit as seductive as the ones set out by Shakespeare or English landscape painting. * Spectator *The book that needed to be written about the Lake District. * Caught by the River *A poetic journey of restoring nature in an iconic landscape. Wild Fell informs and inspires. -- Jake FiennesA visionary, practical and lyrical book on restoring land, from one of the best in the game, on the front line of nature restoration. -- Benedict MacdonaldLee Schofield's Wild Fell is a soaring elegy to nature, a book infused with a deep love of place, and a stirring call to restore wildlife to our landscapes. Written with wit, verve and humility, Wild Fell is above all a story of hope, weaving together deep insights about botany and the history of the land with a wisdom won through years of practical experience. -- Guy ShrubsoleWild Fell is a beautiful, powerful book that subtly navigates great and complex challenges. -- George Monbiot
£10.44
Arcturus Publishing Ltd Great Rivers: An Illustrated History of the
Book SynopsisThis eye-catching hardback guide introduces the great rivers of the world and how they have shaped our society, brought to life with spectacular, full-colour photography. From the majestic waters of the Nile to the mighty Yellow and Yangtze rivers to the immense Amazon river, the great rivers of the world have captured the human imagination and impacted our history. In this fascinating guide, Geordie Torr explores the natural forces that have created these rivers, their impacts on the environment, and the myriad ways they have affected societies and cultures.In this volume, you will:• Explore the natural features of a river from their source in the mountains down to the estuaries where they reach the sea.• See how rivers like the Tigris and Euphrates rivers gave birth to the first civilizations.• Learn how rivers like the Rhine and the Mississippi have facilitated trade along their lengths.• Discover the importance of rivers to our well-being, through their impacts on agriculture, drought, migration and much, much more.ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Visual Reference Library brings together wonderfully illustrated reference guides on scientific and historical topics, made bold and fascinating through full-colour maps, timelines, photographs, feature boxes and other visual elements.
£16.99
Everyman River Poems
Book SynopsisRivers were the arteries of our first civilizations - the Tigris and Euphrates of Mesopotamia, India's Ganges, Egypt's Nile, the Yellow River of China - and have nourished modern cities from London to New York, so it is natural that poets have for centuries drawn essential meanings and metaphors from their endless currents. English poets from Shakespeare and Dryden, Wordsworth and Byron to Ted Hughes, John Betjeman and Alice Oswald; Irish poets - Eavan Boland, Seamus Heaney, Paul Muldoon, to name but a few; Scottish and Welsh poets from Henry Vaughan and Robert Louis Stevenson to Robin Robertson and Gillian Clarke. A whole raft of American poets from Whitman, Emerson and Emily Dickinson to Langston Hughes, Mary Oliver, Natasha Trethewey and Grace Paley. Folk songs. African-American spirituals. Poems from ancient Egypt and Rome. From medieval China and Japan. And a truly international selection of modern poets from Europe (France, Italy, Russia, Serbia), India, Africa, Australia and South and Central America, all combining in celebration of the rivers of the world. From the Mississippi to the Limpopo. From the Dart to the Danube. Plunge in.
£10.80
Gwasg Carreg Gwalch Rivers of Wales
Book SynopsisRivers of Wales does exactly what it says on the tin - in this book Jim Perrin introduces and revels in the nature of our rivers, writing from diverse perspectives. He looks at the geography, mythology, social history and natural history which exist as a result of the flowing waters. This is a celebration of Wales'' rivers and appeals to a broad readership.
£17.58
University College Dublin Press Ireland's Rivers
Book SynopsisRivers are said to be the veins, and streams the capillaries, that carry freshwater, the scarce lifeblood of the Earth. However, freshwaters are experiencing species extinctions at a rate faster than any other ecosystem, and human activities are threatening our survival through overexploiting and degrading water quality. Rivers have been channelled, buried underground, dammed, diverted and polluted; some so over-abstracted that their waters no longer reach the sea. With abundant rainfall, Irish rivers are less damaged than many of those in other countries, but most have water quality problems that can impact the quality of our lives and economic activities, as shortages of safe water supplies have demonstrated. This timely book aims to raise awareness of Ireland's fantastic and often undervalued river resource, and the importance of changing our behaviour and policies to ensure that we keep it in a healthy condition for its sustainable benefits, as well as protection of its biodiversity. The book captures the expertise of 39 Irish freshwater experts to provide an up-to-date account on the evolution of Ireland's rivers and their flow characteristics, biodiversity and how humans have depended on, used and abused our rivers through time. Irish rivers include types that are rare elsewhere in Europe and support a wide range of aquatic organisms and processes. In Ireland's Rivers there are chapters on their hydrology and on their animal and plant life, on crayfish, fish and pearl mussels, and on aquatic birds and mammals, describing their importance and the threats to their survival such as pollution and loss of habitat. There are case studies of characteristic but contrasting Irish rivers, the Avonmore, Burrishoole, Araglin and the mighty Shannon, and information on invasive aquatic species. Water quality and river management are underlying themes. Ireland's Rivers concludes with some suggestions for ways that individuals, households, communities and policy makers can help protect the health and beauty of our rivers and their wildlife.Trade Review'For 10,000 years, human have used and abused Irish rivers. They need to be cared for if they are to recover from the worst effects of human intervention, according to a major new book, Ireland’s Rivers.' Irish Times, Dec 2020 ||| 'Ireland’s Rivers (UCD Press, €40), edited by Mary Kelly-Quinn and Julian D Reynolds, aims to raise awareness of Ireland’s often undervalued river resources. It captures the evolution of Irish rivers and interrogates how humans have depended on, used and abused our rivers through time.' Irish Times – Best books for Christmas 2020 - Coffee-Table Books ||| 'A beautifully produced academic tome Ireland's Rivers (UCD Press, €36) aims to raise awareness of Ireland's fantastic and often undervalued river resource, and the importance of keeping our waterways clean and healthy.' Irish Independent, The best books of 2020Table of ContentsPreface 3 Chapter 1 Ireland’s Rich & Varied River Resource 4 Chapter 2 How the River Flows 26 Chapter 3 Rivers Through Time: Uses and Abuses 40 Chapter 4 Benthic Macroinvertebrates: Key Components of the Lifeblood of a Healthy River 67 Chapter 5 Crayfish in Irish Rivers 95 Chapter 6 The Freshwater Pearl Mussel 107 Chapter 7 River Plants 122 Chapter 8 Periphyton: the Base of Aquatic Food Webs 143 Chapter 9 Fish in Irish Rivers 159 Chapter 10 Birds of Irish Rivers 181 Chapter 11 Riparian Mammals and Amphibians 202 Chapter 12 Aquatic Non-native Invasive Species: Threats to Irish rivers 213 Chapter 13 A Closer Look at 4 River Catchments 230 13.1 The Avonmore/Avonbeg/Avoca: A Spectacular River in Ireland’s Garden County- shaped by Ice and Impacted by Humans 231 13.2 The Burrishoole Catchment, a western salmonid stream-lake system 247 13.2 The Araglin Valley: a Catchment Research Study Area 268 13.4 The Shannon Waterway – an Irish river-lake system 278 Chapter 14 River Monitoring & Water Quality in Ireland 299 Chapter 15 Challenges and Opportunities for the Future Management of Ireland’s Rivers 326
£56.01
Tippermuir Books Limited If Rivers Could Sing: A Scottish River Wildlife
Book Synopsis
£9.49