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Library > New Acquisitions > Book Review
Cruising French Waterways; Hugh McKnight; Adlard Coles Nautical; 4th ed.,2005; £25.00; CA: 16585.
Before considering going to France next year borrow this book to decide which waterways to visit, whether by boat or car. Then buy it so that you have it with you as you explore your chosen area.
Being the fourth edition in twenty years suggests this photographer-author is approaching his subject with a broad brush. A succinct introductory chapter includes a list of canal dimensions and lists waterway museums. Each river or canal is described as a journey with navigation information mixed in with history, local facilities, chats with locals and details of surrounding places of interest. Hence, this is not the book for those bent on the fastest passage to the Med. They might get distracted.
There are few maps but an appendix lists available ones and each chapter refers to the one that is appropriate. A good glossary of French terminology is included.
A central section of coloured pictures are very evocative. Scattered throughout the text are black and white pictures. Most seem to be the same as the 1984 edition – no bad thing since many are historical and all are well produced.
Much more than a normal pilot. A book that will last many years despite being in stiff paperback. - PDG
Page prepared 10 October 2005