Rivers of Power : How a Natural Force Raised Kingdoms, Destroyed Civilizations, and Shapes Our World

Rivers have carved the landscapes we inhabit and channeled the course of human civilization. In "Rivers of Power," geographer Laurence C. Smith takes readers on an enthralling journey through history, exploring how these mighty arteries of the natural world have nurtured the rise of great empires and led to the downfall of others. From the Nile's indispensable role in the flourishing of ancient Egypt to the Amazon's crucial influence on the pre-Columbian Americas, this book unveils the profound impact rivers have had on our past—and their enduring power over our present and future.

Laurence C. Smith is an internationally renowned expert on climate change and water resources. A professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University, his work has been featured in leading publications like The New York Times and The Economist. With "Rivers of Power," Smith masterfully blends cutting-edge research with a captivating narrative style, inviting readers to embark on an illuminating exploration of the world's great waterways and their indelible mark on human civilization.