The Canal Pioneers: Canal Construction from 2,500 BC to the Early 20th Century

A "superbly told" history of canals and the men who built them, from ancient empires to modern civilization—includes photos and illustrations (Narrow Boat).

Stones for the pyramids of Egypt were brought to the site by canal, and one of the most imposing canal systems ever built, the Grand Canal of China, was begun in the sixth century BC. Development after the end of the Roman Empire was slow, but saw the steady improvement of river navigations through locks—the mitre gates were actually fi...