“Jonathan Schneer guides us along a renowned element of the English landscape with an alert and seasoned eye, surprising us with stories drawn together by this common watery thread. Famous spectacles, private reveries, urban designs—from these, he sketches a deeply satisfying survey of centuries, captured through the prism of history lived on and along the River Thames.”—Deborah Valenze, Columbia University
“For anyone who wishes to learn of the history of one of the most important rivers in the world, this is the book to turn to. In engaging prose, Jonathan Schneer charts the vital and enriching role the Thames has played in English history.”—Peter Stansky, Stanford University
“An excellent topic, and an altogether pleasurable book. The Thames is central to British history, but there is no other book like this on the subject. The Thames is clear, compelling, and frequently lyrical.”—James Cronin, Boston University