Canals in a Changing Britain - (Environment and Society) by Jules P Gehrke (Hardcover)

About the Book

This book assesses canals as a major technological system re-shaping Britons' relationship with their landscape and environment between 1760 and 1968, and argues this 200-year arc of historical experience is essential to understanding canals as sites of recreation, leisure, heritage, and experience of the natural environment.

Book Synopsis

Canals in a Changing Britain: Construction, Culture, and Environment, 1760-1968 assesses canals as a major technological system re-shaping Britons' relationship with their landscape and environment for over 200 years. It offers a sustained narrative addressing: canal construction in the late eighteenth century, living and working communities alongside canals in the nineteenth century, canals' relationship to concerns regarding de-industrialization in the early twentieth century and canals as sites for the experience of nature and rural life in the postwar era between 1945 and 1968. This book makes use of a variety of archival and published material on canals and references academic publications on histories of technology and the environment, as well as scholarship related specifically to canals. It argues contemporary conversations regarding the current and future use of canals as multi-faceted sites of recreation, leisure, heritage, and experience of the natural environment in Britain must be seen in the context of an arc of historical experience between 1760 and 1968.

Review Quotes

"Jules Gehrke has written an interesting and original study, using copious original research. Working towards themes in environmental history, his study should serve to inspire further work in the development of new interpretations and follow-up research." --Joseph Boughey, author of British Canals: The Standard History

""Compelling study of the industrial and environmental impact of canals and their subsequent renewal and cultural transformation within British society. Essential reading for students, academics and those interested in the life of the canal in a changing Britain."" --Carl Kenneally, National Waterways Archive, Canal & River Trust

About the Author

Jules P. Gehrke is professor in the Department of History at Saginaw Valley State University.