Writing in non-technical language for recreationalists, technicians, planners, and beginning river scientists, Fremling (emeritus biology, Winona State U.) documents the history of human interactions with the Mississippi River starting as far back as scientific speculation allows. The most dramatic changes have occurred since European settlement, and so the bulk his attention is on the past 150 years. He walks readers through the river primeval, exploration and early exploitation, caging the giant with power boats and channeling, ecological relationships, and the river today and tomorrow. Some black and white photographs are included. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
