"A+."

First published: London : Hodder Wayland, 2004.

Summary adapted from p. [4] of cover.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 47) and index.

What is a river?" -- Great rivers -- Springs and sources -- Down the mountain -- Valleys and waterfalls -- Gorges, canyons, caves -- Meanders and lakes -- River's mouth -- Deltas and swamps -- River wildlife -- Harvesting the river -- Protecting rivers -- River civilization -- Rivers and technology -- Crossing the river -- Dams and reservoirs -- Estuary energy -- Rivers in flood -- Flood defenses -- Leisure and tourism -- Rivers for life -- Glossary -- Further information -- Index.

Takes a look at rivers around the world, explaining how they are formed, their growth and decline, what wildlife lives in them, how people use them for food, power, and transportation, and how destructive they can be.