The Leeds & Liverpool Canal - A History and Guide

A magnificent, illustrated history and guide of Britain's longest and arguably most important canal. Mike Clarke lived on the canal for 5 years, and his knowledge and in-depth understanding of the subject have led him to produce a wonderful book. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is England's longest and arguably most successful canal. Originally conceived as a way for Bradford merchants to reach the rapidly expanding port of Liverpool, it was begun in 1770 from both ends simultaneously, and was finally completed only in 1816. The canal runs through or near some of the most significant industrial towns of the North - Liverpool, Wigan, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bradford and Leeds - and for many years carried a large proportion of the goods that fuelled the industrial development of the entire region.

Original edn `An enjoyable, readable book. Much commended.' Railway and Canal Historical Society `This is a very readable book... There is a mine of information here, with clearly reproduced maps, drawings and photographs... The book is excellent value; the author is to be congratulated on his approach and the publisher on their presentation.' Industrial Archaeology Review `Mr Clarke is an expert guide. Not for him the dry stacking of one fact on top of another. Each page has its reminder of the human involvement.' Wigan Observer New edn `... this new printing of the 1994 paperback edition shows the continued interest in this detailed history of the longest trans-Pennine waterway.' Waterways World `This comprehensive guide to the history, geography and engineering of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, happily once more available, is an excellent example of how thoughly and readably it is possible to tell the story of the canal in 288 pages.' Transport Digest