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Library > New Acquisitions > Book Review
The Architecture of Canals; Derek Pratt; Shire Books, 2005; £5.99; CA 16619
Whilst an average cruising sailor, your reviewer has travelled the Stratford, Worcester, Llangollen and Kennet and Avon Canals; the latter on passage from Sheppey to Ireland in his Southerly 95; and back. With that experience and nearly 50 years as a Building Surveyor, I offer a professional opinion that the content, the presentation and particularly the excellent colour photographs are of the highest quality and interest as they identify and describe the wide variety of structures that abound in this habitat.
Every canal in this country, was a product of local needs, skills and materials designed and constructed in the wheelbarrow and spade era. There is much regional variation allied to locally unique solutions to the problems of horse drawn canal barges in 19th century Britain and now, of course, a tranquil major leisure amenity enjoyed by boaters, fishers and walkers alike.
Chapters on Bridges, Aqueducts, Locks, Tunnels and waterside buildings cover the subject fully, to which is added modern developments and places to visit so rendering this small volume a detailed, readable and visually satisfying gem of a book. - JDC
Page prepared 10 January 2006