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Rivers: From Mountain Streams to City Riverbanks
Illustrated with more than 200 spectacular color photographs supported by expert captions, Rivers is a fascinating journey from the mountains to the sea .
Being essential to the survival of civilizations, rivers run through mythology—think of ancient Egypt—and religion—think of the Ganges and Hinduism. And they continue to inspire writers and artists—think of Mark Twain's Mississippi and John Steinbeck's Salinas. From the Ganges rising in the Himalayas to the Nile Delta, from the Amazon rainforest to the Bow River flowing out of the Rocky Mountains, from the Rhine to the Rhone, Yangtze to the Mekong, Danube to the Volga to the Ebro, Rivers explores the grandest and most interesting rivers around the world. Arranged by continent, the book reveals the fascinating stories of how rivers have supported and shaped civilizations, the significance that rivers have gained in religion and myth, the battles that have been fought over them, the borders that they have marked, and how rivers have altered their courses, thus changing lives and livelihoods.
Being essential to the survival of civilizations, rivers run through mythology—think of ancient Egypt—and religion—think of the Ganges and Hinduism. And they continue to inspire writers and artists—think of Mark Twain's Mississippi and John Steinbeck's Salinas. From the Ganges rising in the Himalayas to the Nile Delta, from the Amazon rainforest to the Bow River flowing out of the Rocky Mountains, from the Rhine to the Rhone, Yangtze to the Mekong, Danube to the Volga to the Ebro, Rivers explores the grandest and most interesting rivers around the world. Arranged by continent, the book reveals the fascinating stories of how rivers have supported and shaped civilizations, the significance that rivers have gained in religion and myth, the battles that have been fought over them, the borders that they have marked, and how rivers have altered their courses, thus changing lives and livelihoods.
- GenresNonfictionTravel
224 pages, Hardcover
Published September 14, 2021
13 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Martin
280 books16 followersClaudia Martin is a prolific author of both non-fiction and fiction for children, young adults and adults. A freelance writer since 2008, she has written dozens of highly visual, engaging and informative titles, from encyclopedias and science books to mythology collections and world atlases.
Claudia also writes children’s fiction, including Epic Myths for Fearless Girls, the bestselling 16-book Greek Myths collection, and contributions to the Magical Rescue Vets series. For adult readers, she has authored beautifully illustrated non-fiction titles such as Great Destinations of a Lifetime, Italy, Scotland, Arctic, Greece, Norway, Wonders of the World and Rivers.
Before becoming a full-time author, Claudia worked extensively in publishing as an editor and commissioning editor, including roles at Marshall Editions, Cadogan Guides, Lonely Planet and Virgin Books. This background has given her a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of how to bring stories, facts and ideas vividly to life.
Originally from the UK and a graduate of the University of Bristol, Claudia continues to write, edit and develop engaging books that inspire curiosity, imagination and a love of learning in readers of all ages.
Claudia also writes children’s fiction, including Epic Myths for Fearless Girls, the bestselling 16-book Greek Myths collection, and contributions to the Magical Rescue Vets series. For adult readers, she has authored beautifully illustrated non-fiction titles such as Great Destinations of a Lifetime, Italy, Scotland, Arctic, Greece, Norway, Wonders of the World and Rivers.
Before becoming a full-time author, Claudia worked extensively in publishing as an editor and commissioning editor, including roles at Marshall Editions, Cadogan Guides, Lonely Planet and Virgin Books. This background has given her a sharp editorial eye and a deep understanding of how to bring stories, facts and ideas vividly to life.
Originally from the UK and a graduate of the University of Bristol, Claudia continues to write, edit and develop engaging books that inspire curiosity, imagination and a love of learning in readers of all ages.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 14, 2021
The masterpiece book, Rivers, boasts an incredible portfolio of professional, photographic snapshots of rivers the world over. Talk about an epic adventure of a lifetime! One can visit the continents and countries whose civilizations have flourished riverside since the dawn of mankind, without even leaving the comfort of ones armchair. Of course, that would not be half as challenging!
Nevertheless, hours and hours can be well spent mulling over the rivers captured in their many moods and types of weather. One cannot talk about rivers either, without mentioning waterfalls and bridges. These too, are shot at angles for their most aestheic potential. Gasps of wonder and awe at the spectacular, phenomenal panoramas of God's creation, displayed within this book's pages, will exude, involuntarily, from your being as you 'experience' this 'voyage'.
The author has done an exceptional job at highlighting, with just the right tweak of words, as explanation of the rivers' significance, such as their respective uses, legends, environmental status and so on, throughout history and of current times. Very informative and educationally delightful. Have an awesome adventure meandering the world's rivers along with the author and the photographic "tour guides".
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.
Nevertheless, hours and hours can be well spent mulling over the rivers captured in their many moods and types of weather. One cannot talk about rivers either, without mentioning waterfalls and bridges. These too, are shot at angles for their most aestheic potential. Gasps of wonder and awe at the spectacular, phenomenal panoramas of God's creation, displayed within this book's pages, will exude, involuntarily, from your being as you 'experience' this 'voyage'.
The author has done an exceptional job at highlighting, with just the right tweak of words, as explanation of the rivers' significance, such as their respective uses, legends, environmental status and so on, throughout history and of current times. Very informative and educationally delightful. Have an awesome adventure meandering the world's rivers along with the author and the photographic "tour guides".
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
August 2021
Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.
July 15, 2021
I was engrossed in this one all night! Pored over hundreds of quite spectacular photos of all the world’s principal rivers and estuaries - I am ready for the RIVERS category on Jeopardy!
So interesting to see and be reminded of so many examples of how throughout history, rivers have been integral to a country’s economy, borders, wars, trade, sacred rites, urban development, cradles of civilization and so much more.
Two issues: 1)since many photos span the center spread, it could be confusing at times to know what photos the captions are referring to in an e-book format. And 2) small map insets of where the rivers are located would have been enormously more informative.
That said, importantly the book warns again and again about the humankind’s continued threats to the fragile ecosystems created and maintained by these rivers. Dams, especially, rob riverbanks and marshlands of much needed sediment needed to support wetlands and habitats.
So interesting to see and be reminded of so many examples of how throughout history, rivers have been integral to a country’s economy, borders, wars, trade, sacred rites, urban development, cradles of civilization and so much more.
Two issues: 1)since many photos span the center spread, it could be confusing at times to know what photos the captions are referring to in an e-book format. And 2) small map insets of where the rivers are located would have been enormously more informative.
That said, importantly the book warns again and again about the humankind’s continued threats to the fragile ecosystems created and maintained by these rivers. Dams, especially, rob riverbanks and marshlands of much needed sediment needed to support wetlands and habitats.
August 16, 2021
Ahhhh...rivers. Throughout history they have divided countries and marked territory, been the stuff of legends and mythology, important in religious rites and symbolism, irrigation...crucial for humanity's survival. Ever changing, they feed (i.e. rice and fish) and clean us, they are a mode of transportation, some freeze over several months of the year providing ice roads and unfortunately some kill with floods and drought. Though this book is largely composed of sublime photography, the text is chock full of fascinating information and details such as the longest and shortest in countries and the world, My husband and I used to white water raft on the Kicking Horse which is interesting to see aerially. In this book the reader sees and reads about both known and unknown rivers. Did I ever learn a lot!
The Amazon River is home to 3,000 fish species! In my creative mind some rivers look like tapeworms from above. The picture of the confluence in Brazil is astonishing. So many gorgeous photographs in this book but one of my favourites for sheer beauty is River Wye, in Wales. Takes me back in an instant. Castles along rivers such as the Moselle, Rhine and Danube tug at my heart for their evocative atmosphere. The Volga Delta practically forms magic! Had no idea. Of course the Nile and Tigris rivers are resplendent with religious importance with ancient ruins along the banks in some locations. The Mekong River in Cambodia is the only river in the world with a strange ability. We see rubber plantations along riverbanks and some are home to dangerous creatures. I also enjoy rivers simply for the sound of trickling water and lovely arched stone bridges.
Nature lovers, this book is for you. You cannot find more stunning photography than with Amber Books anywhere. It would be a shame to miss any of them.
My sincere thank you to Amber Books and NetGalley for the privilege of absorbing this book. It is pure joy!
The Amazon River is home to 3,000 fish species! In my creative mind some rivers look like tapeworms from above. The picture of the confluence in Brazil is astonishing. So many gorgeous photographs in this book but one of my favourites for sheer beauty is River Wye, in Wales. Takes me back in an instant. Castles along rivers such as the Moselle, Rhine and Danube tug at my heart for their evocative atmosphere. The Volga Delta practically forms magic! Had no idea. Of course the Nile and Tigris rivers are resplendent with religious importance with ancient ruins along the banks in some locations. The Mekong River in Cambodia is the only river in the world with a strange ability. We see rubber plantations along riverbanks and some are home to dangerous creatures. I also enjoy rivers simply for the sound of trickling water and lovely arched stone bridges.
Nature lovers, this book is for you. You cannot find more stunning photography than with Amber Books anywhere. It would be a shame to miss any of them.
My sincere thank you to Amber Books and NetGalley for the privilege of absorbing this book. It is pure joy!
October 22, 2021
This book has a series of stunning photographs of rivers - urban and remote, their confluences, deltas, oxbow lakes, and waterfalls - across all the major continents.
The photographs are annotated. It was fascinating to read about rivers I knew and others that were unknown. The vastness of several rivers, their sheer length and majesty was breathtaking to look at and made me want to visit several of the countries to experience them first-hand.
Some of the photographs were particularly striking and it was fascinating to see human interaction with the rivers and the way that natural and man-made features, such as bridges, were featured. Aerial shots were included, showing how even vast river systems look tiny when viewed from a distance.
This is another book that would look great on a coffee table and generate much discussion.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amber Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
The photographs are annotated. It was fascinating to read about rivers I knew and others that were unknown. The vastness of several rivers, their sheer length and majesty was breathtaking to look at and made me want to visit several of the countries to experience them first-hand.
Some of the photographs were particularly striking and it was fascinating to see human interaction with the rivers and the way that natural and man-made features, such as bridges, were featured. Aerial shots were included, showing how even vast river systems look tiny when viewed from a distance.
This is another book that would look great on a coffee table and generate much discussion.
I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amber Books, in return for an honest appraisal.
February 8, 2023
This was a fantastic book packed full of beautiful photographs of the world's greatest and most wonderful rivers. Each picture has a sentence or 2 describing them. The pictures were amazing and brought out some wonderful emotions within me. You could literally spend hours staring at them wishing you were there. I definitely recommend reading this book if you love to travel the world from the comfort of your home. I just love these types of books as they are a brilliant distraction from our everyday life. Each chapter looks at a different area of the world. With a descriptive paragraph leading us into the pictures. The only thing I would change about this book is I would of loved more accompanying text as I just love learning.
So much praise goes out to the author, photographers and publishers for creating such a wonderful collection of photographs so I could travel the world in one book.
So much praise goes out to the author, photographers and publishers for creating such a wonderful collection of photographs so I could travel the world in one book.
July 18, 2021
These publishers seldom fail when their intent is a book like this, with brilliant photographic research providing the best images to match the educational captions they all get. The only thing here is that I am not sure it would have a successful market – do geologists need a photobook to act almost as a Busman's Holiday, for however many aspects of rivers the book successfully covers they would know the same amount again? And for the general browser, who will for sure learn quite a lot in this suitably global survey of river banks, river bridges and all things in between, does that audience even exist, where someone wants a collection of attractive photos of what still is not exactly a cute subject? Still, I'll go with the flow and give it a rating to prove how commendable it would be, to someone I could not quite fix in my imagination before seeing other very positive reviews.
July 17, 2021
I'm that weirdo with a degree in geography who has a river bucket list, so this book was right up my alley. This book would be a beautiful coffee table book for anyone who loves nature or travel. It is divided into sections roughly by continent. There is an overview at the beginning of each section and then each photo has a brief caption providing the location and a little bit of information about either the river of the photo itself. The photos are absolutely stunning. I really liked that a variety of seasons were presented as well as urban and rural scenes. I don't know that I "learned" much but I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and added a few locations to my bucket list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amber Books for the ARC.
July 18, 2021
A beautiful collection of photos of rivers as the title suggests. The sections are broken mostly by continents. There are photos of great rivers and small tributaries. Some are nature others show great cities or dams. I happily have seen all the rivers shown in the book in the United States (although not always from that locations.) I've also seen many of the great rivers of Europe like the Danube, Rhine, Seine and Thames. This is a coffee table type book. There is some information given about each river shown but it is limited in scope. The photos are the stars of the book. Thank you NetGalley and Amber Books for the temporary ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
An intriguing pictorial atlas of many of the world’s most beautiful rivers. I love that it is broken up into regions and a little bit of information about the pictures is provided. Many of the pictures are truly stunning, breath taking and frame worthy. I enjoyed turning each page and allowing my imagination to take me away. Thank for putting all of these images into one collection to truly enjoy the beauty of rivers.
I received a complimentary copy, with thanks, from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.
I received a complimentary copy, with thanks, from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own and freely given.
July 16, 2021
A stunning book of rivers around the world, amazing photography and enough of a description to wet appetite to find out more. Perfect coffee table book to sit and dream about travelling, it’s a quick read but go back again and again to view the images. Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy to review.
December 29, 2021
The stunning photography captivates the reader in this wonderful book that explores the most interesting rivers of the world and the impact they have had on civilisation. There are some fascinating stories in this beautiful book. Thank you to Claudia Martin, NetGalley and Amber Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2021
Absolutely gorgeous book! Interesting snippets of historical and ecological information provide the context for the breathtaking photos
August 3, 2021
Loved it! Plenty of amazing pictures that made me travel to places and dream of being there.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 19, 2021
A really nice book of one to two images of different rivers from across the world - different viewpoints and an introduction to the river. Really nice inspiration.
September 5, 2021
Another gorgeous book from Amber Books full of beautiful photographs. I especially loved seeing of the bridges featured along side the rivers in this book
August 12, 2021
Amber Books never disappoints. I know that whenever they drop a new book on Netgalley, I’m going to have a great time reading it. Pavlovian effect? Could be. The thing is, Rivers by Claudia Martin fits into the Awesome! category to a T.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews