The Rhine: An Eco-Biography, 1815–2000 (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)

Fascinating look at how commerce, war and nature have coalesced in the story of Europe's premier waterway. Much more than the sum of its parts, the book lays out the re-engineering of the Rhine over nearly two centuries. Written in clear and readily assimable prose with little jargon and explanation of technical terms where appropriate. I found this a very interesting read.