For their water, their power, their wildlife, and their beauty, rivers have always been central to human civilizations. This book explains how rivers are formed, their growth and decline, what wildlife lives in them, how people use them for food, power and transport, yet not forgetting the terrible destruction that rivers can bring through floods. 'Location files' are mini case studies that focus on places with a particular feature; 'People files' give potted biographies of famous explorers or discoverers; 'Fact Files' list amazing facts. This book is packed with information, facts and figures, and examples from all around the globe. Clear maps and diagrams extend the expertly-written text.