Pay in installments of $7.50 with
,
and
Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 23 - Jul 28
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
The Mercenary River : Private Greed, Public Good: A History of London's Water by Nick HighamNo city can survive without water, and lots of it. Today we take the stuff for granted: turn a tap and it gushes out. But it wasn't always so. For centuries London, one of the largest and richest cities in the world, struggled to supply its citizens with reliable, clean water. The Mercenary River tells the story of that struggle from the middle ages to the present day. Based on new research, it tells a tale of remarkable technological, scientific and
No city can survive without water, and lots of it. Today we take the stuff for granted: turn a tap and it gushes out. But it wasn't always so.For centuries London, one of the largest and richest cities in the world, struggled to supply its citizens with reliable, clean water. The Mercenary River tells the story of that struggle from the middle ages to the present day. Based on new research, it tells a tale of remarkable technological, scientific and organisational breakthroughs; but also a story of greed and complacency, high finance and low politics.
Among the breakthroughs was the picturesque New River, neither new nor a river but a state of the art aqueduct completed in 1613 and still part of London's water supply: the company that built it was one of the very first modern business corporations, and also one of the most profitable. London water companies were early adopters of steam power for their pumps. And Chelsea Waterworks was the first in the world to filter the water it supplied its customers: the same technique is still used to purify two-thirds of London's drinking water.
But for much of London's history water had to be rationed, and the book also chronicles our changing relationship with water and the way we use it. Amongst many stories, Nick Higham's page-turning narrative uncovers the murky tale of how the most powerful steam engine in the world was first brought to London; the extraordinary story of how one Victorian London water company deliberately cut off 2,000 households, even though it knew they had no alternative source of supply; the details of a financial scandal which brought two of the water companies close to collapse in the 1870s; and finally asks whether today's 21st century water companies are an improvement on their Victorian predecessors.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 15 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
Really Cute Book
Format: Paperback
This book had my six year old giggling. It’s a good purchase.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Funny Stuff!
Format: Paperback
Who doesn't love a good fart joke??? This was very cute and had the grandbabies cracking up. They are 3 and 6. The 6 year old could help me read it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2023
★★★★★ 4
Funny
Format: Paperback
Cute book grandson enjoyed
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2025
★★★★★ 5
So good!!!
Format: Paperback
I got this more my 5 year old son and he absolutely loves it! It’s so cute and funny! Highly recommend and will buy more from this author!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2024
★★★★★ 5
Cute book
Format: Paperback
Really makes us laugh. Love it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2024