<div><div><p>Since the beginning of time humans have always had a vital relationship with water. The earliest civilizations worshipped water, celebrating its regenerative powers. Later water became essential for irrigated agriculture, and eventually the industrial revolution. Humanity’s relationship with water has changed drastically through history, as contemporary societies have developed new ideas about disease, health, and hygiene in relation to water. Water has recently become an economic asset rather than a religious blessing, becoming privatized in many places. Humanity’s new relation with water has even sparked conflict, as well as creating devastating environmental problems, which have begun to threaten the health of humans and other species.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Veronica Strang’s <i>Water: Nature and Culture </i>digs into the rich history of human interaction with water, and is the first of its kind to give a comprehensive cultural view of water and history.<i>Water: Nature and Culture</i> is a unique account of water history, and the ways humans have interacted with water over time. The book provides a cultural view of water, as well as taking in social and ecological issues, and will appeal to all those interested in the environment and the state of the world today.</p><p></p><p></p><p><b></p><p></b></p></div></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>