Rivers of the World: A Social, Geographical, and Environmental Sourcebook

This compelling look at the important rivers of the world provides both timely environmental information and historical data to highlight the impact of rivers on the economies and cultures of the communities that surround them. There are about 200 river entries, ranging in length from several paragraphs to several pages. All of the major rivers are covered–the Amazon, Mississippi, Nile, Wei, and others–and enough are included from outside North America to give the book a comprehensive global feel. The entries are arranged alphabetically, with cross-references to help locate rivers with variant spellings.
Each entry begins with information on the source of the river, its length, major tributaries, and outlet. The entries feature geographical information but, much like a river, often gently meander into historical and environmental discussions. Curious readers will be rewarded whether they choose to browse entries or look for specific information about a particular river. As is the case with the author's earlier work, the Encyclopedia of Geographical Features in World History: Europe and the Americas (ABC-CLIO, 1997), many entries end with a suggestion or two for further reading. Some of these suggested readings are very current, but many public and school libraries will not have these citations, as they are somewhat esoteric.
Although there is a general index, a subject index would allow readers to tie together rivers with related histories. It might have been nice to have an index that brought together rivers dealing with the Napoleonic Wars, for example, especially when the book is filled with so much interesting detail. A country/continent location index to the rivers would also have greatly increased the book's value for student assignments.
Many public, academic, and school libraries will want to have this book, as there are few river encyclopedias with this depth of coverage. It is reasonably priced and accessible. RBB