Boats, Smoke, Steam and Folk: Exploring the Canals of the West Midlands - Softcover

Narrow boats, coal, steam engines, tunnels, locks, bridges, aqueducts and the lives of thousands of men, women and children came to be wrapped up in the late eighteenth century with what was a whole new transport system. This affectionate book explores the stories behind the canals of the Midlands.

In the grand scheme of things, 200 years is a relatively short period of time. But yet, within this timeframe, an amazing form of transport was developed, grew to a prosperous zenith, went into decline, virtually disappeared and is now being resurrected. Exploring the canals of the Midlands, this book, with maps and detailed walks, will encourage the reader to move from his armchair and into this living piece of history. It also answers some of the many questions asked today about our canal network and includes interviews and memories of those who worked on the canals.