The author explains difficulties involved in achieving the simplest of tasks in everyday life afloat, including the lack of education for children and limited medical provision, especially for pregnant women. And if you don’t know what an “Idle Woman” was, then you need to read this book!

There is a chapter on pertinent records plus a specialist websites list and targeted further reading. This book will be of interest whether you have family “on the cut” or are just curious about the itinerant lifestyle of those working on the waterways.

This is a fascinating read even if your only connection to canals and rivers is as a bystander!