BOOK REVIEWS

摘要

What do the Baybridge Canal, the Eardington Forge Canal, the Newcastle-under-Lyme Canal and the Wombridge Canal have in common? Not only are they long-abandoned, but their exploration can be something of an archaeological exercise. Eschewing the navigable network and the well-established reopening schemes, author Andy Wood has collected stories of over 100 lost waterways: some in their early stages of restoration; other: which are never likely to see another boat - including one (the Adelphi Canal) where he reckons every last trace has disappeared to opencast mining. For every one there is a history and description, a summary of what (if anything) remains, and a grid reference for fans of long-gone canals (yes, we do exist!) hoping to track them down.