The Rhine

Synopsis

*SHORTLISTED FOR THE STANFORD DOLMAN TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD*

The Rhine is one of the world's greatest rivers. Once forming the outer frontier of the Roman Empire, it flows 800 miles from the social democratic playground of the Netherlands, through the industrial and political powerhouses of Germany and France, to the wealthy mountain fortresses of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

For five years, Ben Coates lived alongside a major channel of the river in Rotterdam, crossing it daily, swimming and sailing in its tributaries. In The Rhine, he sets out by bicycle from the Netherlands where it enters the North Sea, following it through Germany, France and Liechtenstein, to its source in the icy Alps. He explores the impact that the Rhine has had on European culture and history and finds out how influences have flowed along and across the river, shaping the people who live alongside it.

Blending travelogue and offbeat history, The Rhine tells the fascinating story of how a great river helped shape a continent.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Source

The chapter introduces the Rhine River as a symbol of European history and culture. It begins at the Tödi massif in Switzerland and flows through Germany, France, and the Netherlands before emptying into the North Sea. The river is closely associated with Roman civilization, the Holy Roman Empire, and the Protestant Reformation.

Real example: The Roman city of Augusta Raurica in modern-day Switzerland was a major trading center on the Rhine.

Chapter 2: The Middle Rhine

The chapter follows the Rhine River as it flows through the Rhineland, a region of Germany known for its picturesque scenery and rich history. The river passes by castles, vineyards, and charming towns. It is also a major industrial area, with many factories and ports.

Real example: The Lorelei, a rock formation on the Rhine near St. Goarshausen, is a popular tourist destination and has inspired numerous legends and poems.

Chapter 3: The Lower Rhine

The chapter traces the Rhine River as it flows through the Netherlands. The river delta is a vast network of waterways, islands, and polders (reclaimed land). The Netherlands is known for its extensive system of dikes and canals, which have been built to control the Rhine's flooding.

Real example: Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and is located at the mouth of the Rhine.

Chapter 4: The Rhine and Europe

The chapter examines the Rhine River's role in European history and culture. The river has been a major trade route, a source of conflict, and a symbol of European unity. It has also inspired numerous works of art, literature, and music.

Real example: The Treaty of Westphalia, signed in 1648, ended the Thirty Years' War and established the principle of religious tolerance in Europe. The treaty was signed at Münster and Osnabrück, two cities on the Rhine.

Chapter 5: The Rhine Today

The chapter discusses the challenges facing the Rhine River in the 21st century. These include pollution, climate change, and economic development. The chapter also looks at efforts to protect the river and its environment.

Real example: The International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine (ICPR) is a multinational organization that works to protect the river and its tributaries.