Canal Builders: The Men Who Constructed Britain's Canals

Canal Builders is a classic history book about the development of Britains canal system, written by Anthony Burton and published in a new fifth edition. It tells the story of the many groups of people who were responsible for building the canals, including industrialists, speculators, engineers, and navvies, and how the transport route that made the industrial revolution possible was built.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2021
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Canal Builders is a timeless masterpiece of historical literature, catering to the interests of anyone eager to delve into the intricate development of Britain's canal system. Originally published in the 1970s, this invaluable work has now been republished in a magnificent fifth edition. Spanning from the mid-eighteenth century to the dawn of the railway era in the early nineteenth century, the book takes readers on a captivating journey through time. Author Anthony Burton has meticulously revised and enhanced the original text, incorporating fresh material discovered in archives since its initial publication. Furthermore, he has added an abundance of captivating illustrations to enrich the reader's experience.

This remarkable narrative unfolds the tale of numerous groups of individuals who played pivotal roles in constructing Britain's canal network. Among them were industrialists like Josiah Wedgwood, who championed canals to bolster their own industries, and speculative investors who backed these projects with the aspiration of substantial returns. The meticulous planning of the work was entrusted to engineers of exceptional talent, some of whom, such as James Brindley and Thomas Telford, have achieved legendary status, while others remain largely unknown but nonetheless accomplished magnificent feats.

However, the true heroes of this story are the countless anonymous laborers known as the navvies. This groundbreaking book was the first to delve into their lives in great detail, shedding light on their arduous struggles, hardships, and remarkable contributions to the construction of the canal system. It is an epic tale of how the transportation route that paved the way for the industrial revolution came to be.

In summary, Canal Builders stands as a testament to the depth of human ingenuity and perseverance. Well-planned and meticulously written, it offers an unparalleled introduction to the early canal age, captivating readers with its rich tapestry of history, innovation, and the indomitable spirit of the navvies. This timeless masterpiece is a must-read for anyone seeking to unravel the intricate threads that shaped Britain's industrial landscape.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 244 x 172 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399014304