Southern Inland Waterways
£9.95
This book is out of print. The copies available are second hand, in near-as-new or very good condition.
This compact book, from publisher Ian Allen limited, comprises over 200 black & white photographs from eminent waterways photographer Derek Pratt near the start of his career. The book, published in 1982, features waterways that were just emerging from failing commercial use into their new role in the leisure industry. It captures a time when there was renewed hope for the waterways, and yet now, to many of us, these photos will have a nostalgic feel.
Only 1 left in stock
The canals and river navigations of Britain were once the arteries of the nation, carrying raw materials to the factories, and finished commodities to the marketplace. The advent of a unified rail freight network and, latterly, competition from road haulage concerns saw most of these waterways fall into decline, disrepair and decay as traffic dropped off alarmingly.
It was only just over 50 years ago that they once again began to carry large amounts of boats and barges – but today’s traffic is people rather than merchandise. Throughout England, canals and rivers were being restored to their former condition and this renovation and dredging provided new pastures for the canal enthusiast and suitable work for youth employment schemes.
Southern Inland Waterways covers the Thames and its attendant waterways available for use today, drawing an imaginary dividing line between the Midlands and the South. Each waterway is covered in detail with a history section, maps – including one showing photographic locations – a selection of basic data and many early examples of Derek Pratt’s superb photographs. The doyen of waterways photographers, Derek Pratt has an eye on composition and atmosphere and a knowledge of England’s waterways, which combines to magnificent effect.
Author: Derek Pratt
Binding: Hardback
Published: July 1982
Pages: 128
Size: 240 x 180 mm
ISBN: 0711012253
Publisher’s Price (in 1982): £7.50
