The Historic River : Rivers and Culture Down the Ages

This is an absorbing and stimulating text for all interested in rivers and river ecology.

Combining scholarship with first-hand experience Dr Haslam has brought together a wealth of information and insight into this one volume.

The influence of riverine environments on all aspects of life is traced from the earliest time to the present with the help of many examples from the United Kingdom, elsewhere in Europe, and in other locations.

The text is supported by numerous illustrations and helpful guides which will encourage the reader to look for evidence and signs of the many links between rivers and man which exist in the local area and when visiting further afield.

This book is not only concerned with rivers and the surrounding land as providers of water and resources.

Haslam also draws the reader's attention to important conservation matters and the need for a greater understanding of river ecology if these important environments are to be properly managed for the future.

She sites cases of falling water tables, pollution and other types of environmental damage occurring through past misuse and abuse. Yet this is also balanced by some very positive and encouraging comments on how the many demands made by man on rivers for water, resources, transport, leisure and recreation may be reconciled.

This is a timely and very welcome addition to the limited literature on this important topic.

It is a book, which readers will not only enjoy but which will also be an important source of reference.