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Drinking Water: A History (2012)

by James Salzman(Favorite Author)

3.64 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1590207203 (ISBN13: 9781590207208)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Overlook Hardcover

review 1: A fairly good overview of issues related to the most essential of life's necessities. Among the social-history-of-commodities books that I so enjoy (Cod, Salt, etc.), this one doesn't really stand out. But I think it's because the topic is so huge, it's hard to tackle in one slim volume. The thread in the book that I found most interesting was the paradox (or maybe not?) of access to water as either a communal right, or water as a product to be bought and sold. It seems like it's always been a bit of both, with different civilizations swinging from one side to the other. I'm fascinated that the Roman system of water distribution came up with a subsidized system that could be found in some places today.Whenever you find yourself taking clean, easily accessible tap water for... more granted, pick up this book. There are many reminders here that most of the world doesn't have it so easy.
review 2: Salzman consciously patterns this book on the works of Mark Kurlansky (e.g. "Salt", "Cod") and does provide insight on the long struggle to provide safe, clean drinking water. Along the way we are exposed to the history of water, sanitation, water treatment, water delivery and the politics of water; all subjects that don't tend to be noticed by the end user. Unfortunately, the book tends to whininess, most notably in the discussion on bottled water. A little more connective tissue between the chapters might also have been helpful. less

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