This work investigates the historical development, engineering challenges, and economic significance of the inland waterway systems in Great Britain. L.T.C. Rolt, a noted authority on industrial history and canal restoration, utilizes archival records and personal observation to document the rise and decline of the canal network. The text provides a technical and social framework for understanding how these artificial rivers shaped the industrial landscape of the country.

Historians and enthusiasts of industrial archaeology regard this text as a foundational account of the canal era. Readers frequently note the technical detail provided by the author, which serves as a primary reference for those interested in the mechanics of early civil engineering.