This Very Short Introduction is a celebration of rivers in all their diversity. Nick Middleton covers a wide and eclectic range of river-based themes, from physical geography to mythology, to industrial history and literary criticism. Worshipped and revered, respected and feared, rivers reflect both the natural and social history of our planet. Wide-ranging account of the impact of rivers on land, human history, animal and plants, and in artistic expression Explores the cultural resonances of rivers with their own myths and romance Considers the role rivers have played in human history from settlements and trade to warfare Looks at the human impact upon rivers by dams, cutting of channels, and the effects on wildlife A global look at rivers with examples from all continents, including Egypt, India, and Bangladesh Part of the bestselling Very Short Introductions series - over five million copies sold worldwide