Seven Rivers: A Journey Through the Currents of Human History

Taylor, environmental history lecturer at the University of Greenwich, offers a deeply researched exploration of how seven rivers have shaped human societies around the world. From the Nile to the Mississippi, rivers are the “lifeblood” of civilization, offering drinking water, trade access, and navigation routes, Taylor explains. They’ve served as sites of powerful empires and sparked wars, and while humans have adapted waterways to meet their needs—building dams, levees, canals, and water mills—they’ve also been devastated by floods, droughts, and water-borne diseases. Taylor details how the Nile—the world’s longest river—sustained dynasties in Ancient Egypt, the Danube was the site of geopolitical conflict and cultural exchange between East and West Europe, and the Ganges influenced Hindu and Buddhist practices, and became a vital artery for trade in India. In a similarly sweeping fashion, Taylor covers how human history unfolded along the Niger, Yangtze, Mississippi, and Thames rivers. The narratives at times get bogged down in extensive details, including a meticulous timeline of regime changes throughout Egyptian history, but useful maps and intriguing trivia keep the pages turning. History buffs will have a blast. Illus. (Sept.)