| Synopsis: |
Before roads and rail, the industrial hubs of Great Britain were linkedto the ports by a network of manmade waterways. These canals fell intodisuse in the early part of the twentieth century, but in the lastfifty years they have undergone a complete revival. Opened up,developed and transformed, the urban waterways have become attractiveleisure destinations, and waterside properties rank high on estateagents' `most sought-after' lists. For newcomers to a city, walking itswaterways will unlock famous highlights as well as hidden delights. Andthat is just what this book does too.With the lavish colour photography for which he is renowned, Britain's`biographer photographer' Derek Pratt explores all the major cities andtowns linked by waterways, bringing to life the canals and theirenvirons with images that are stunning and beautiful. Throughinteresting, informative and typically quirky text, Derek also revealslots of fascinating things most people don't know about theseindustrial landscapes, whilst also revealing the commercial history ofthe waterways, their subsequent decline and recent revitalisation.Towns and cities covered include: London, Oxford, Bristol, Liverpool,Manchester, Sheffield, Stoke on Trent and the Potteries, Leeds,Gloucester, Reading, Birmingham and the Black Country, Rugby,Worcester, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham and Bath. |