London’s Waterways

Published on the first day of next month, this visually beautiful and often unexpected look at the landscapes, scenery and secret places around London’s waterways claims to be the first book of its kind.

London boasts not only one of the most famous rivers in the world, it is also home beautiful waterways such as the Grand Union and Regents Canal, which are ever popular tourist venues and lined with much sought after waterside properties.

Tucked away in the city are also lesser known and in some cases, completely hidden waterways which this book illuminates for its readers. Rivers flow through shopping centres and across tube platforms as well as creating surprisingly rural settings within the capital.

Derek Pratt is a professional photographer and specialist writer on inland waterways. His photo library contains a large collection of works taken over a period of 45 years. Other works include Waterways Past and Present, and The Thames: A photographic Journey from Source to Sea. This latest volume is full of photos and information providing insight into both the better known and relatively unexplored aspects of London’s canal life.

The book is right up to date, including a recent photo of the main 2012 London Olympics stadium under construction in East London. The author explains how the Bow Back Rivers were a series of quiet backwaters off the River Lea which are being rescued from obscurity to become a watery centrepiece of the Olympic Games. The nearby City Mill Lock is also seen, restored from dereliction with new gates to play a role in next year’s spectacle.

The hefty volume will make a great addition to the collection of all inland waterway enthusiasts or a handsome and valued gift for any Londoner.