Three Rivers: The Extraordinary Waterways That Made Europe

8vo, hardcover in dj. A fascinating exploration of the rich and varied cultural worlds shaped by the Rhine, the Rhone and the Po Three of Europeís greatest rivers share the same geological cradle: one fertile patch of Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. Coursing down through the peaks, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Po gave birth to three different European cultures ñ German, French and Italian ñ as they flowed across the continent. From this shared geological cradle, these waterways have shaped the landscape, influenced the pattern of towns and cities, laid the foundation for economies and created an intricate network of transport, trade and agriculture. From the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence to the Wagnerian music of the Rhine and the artistic miracles of Lombardy, the heart of Western Europe ñ its languages, religion, philosophy, science, politics and art ñ has been nourished by these waters. Setting off in the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins, acclaimed historian Robert Winder traces the riversí journeys from their increasingly fragile glacial sources, revealing in shimmering detail their impact on Europeís rich history as they flow towards the sea. ëRevelatory and inspirational, a passionate love-letter to Western Europeís great trinity of waterways.í James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of Germany ëEnthralling . . . gives intriguing insight into the ebb and flow of Western Europeís culture, history and geography.í Jasper Winn, author of Water Ways ëIn this love letter to the Continent, Robert Winder takes a meandering and always entertaining journey down Western Europeís three great rivers. His affection for his subject shines through on every page . . . and his daring digressive style gives him latitude for quirky erudition and the chance to deliver unexpected delights.' Stephen OíShea, author of The Alps ëInsightful, elegant, and deeply researched to the very last drop, this book will change the way you see rivers ñ and the continent they have shaped ñ forever.í Matt Gaw, author of In All Weathers ëThree Rivers is wonderful excursion into history, travel and stories about some of the most fascinating rivers of Europe ñ do yourself a favour and take a holiday with this book.í Robert Twigger, author of Red Nile