Three of Europe’s greatest rivers begin in the same geological cradle: one fertile patch of high Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. The consequences of this small fact can hardly be overstated: taken together, the Rhine, the Rhone and the Po do not simply symbolise three different cultures of Europe – French, German and Italian – they were the dynamo that gave them life.
Between them these extraordinary waterways have not only shaped the landscape, carving out the valleys in which early humans settled, they influenced the structure of Europe’s societies – the pattern of its towns and cities, roads and railways. They laid the foundation for its economies, creating an intricate network of agriculture and trade. And they enriched its cultural diversity: language, religion, philosophy, science, politics and art – from the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence and the Wagnerian music of the Rhine to the spiritual and artistic miracles of Lombardy. The heart of Western European civilisation has been nourished by these waters.
But while their importance is by no means diminished today, their source is. The glaciers that have filled Europe’s Alpine water tank for so long are vanishing – fast. This is a catastrophic change, and the implication is clear: we can no longer take Europe’s great triumvirate of rivers for granted.
Three Rivers explores the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins, telling the story of the glaciers themselves while also meditating on the enormous cultural consequences that have (quite literally) flowed from their cold and fragile presence – and how momentous would be their loss.
About the Author :
Robert Winder was Literary Editor of the Independent (where he ran the Foreign Fiction Award for translated novels) and Deputy Editor of Granta. He is the author of many titles (both fiction and non-fiction) including Bloody Foreigners: The Story of Immigration to Britain and The Last Wolf: The Hidden Springs of Englishness. The former helped inspire the Migration Museum Project, which aims to create a major museum on the theme of migration in Britain and for which he was a founder trustee.
Review :
‘An enjoyable grand tour of western European history … full of flavour and sparkle.’ The Sunday Times
‘The book’s elegant premise is that the Rhine, the Rhône and the Po gave rise to the three great national cultures — and in doing so helped unify Europe’ Financial Times
‘Revelatory and inspirational, a passionate love-letter to Western Europe’s great trinity of waterways.’ James Hawes, author of The Shortest History of Germany
‘Enthralling . . . gives intriguing insight into the ebb and flow of Western Europe’s culture, history and geography.’ Jasper Winn, author of Water Ways
‘In this love letter to the Continent, Robert Winder takes a meandering and always entertaining journey down Western Europe’s three great rivers. His affection for his subject shines through on every page . . . and his daring digressive style gives him latitude for quirky erudition and the chance to deliver unexpected delights.' Stephen O’Shea, author of The Alps
‘Insightful, elegant, and deeply researched to the very last drop, this book will change the way you see rivers – and the continent they have shaped – forever.’ Matt Gaw, author of In All Weathers
‘Three Rivers is wonderful excursion into history, travel and stories about some of the most fascinating rivers of Europe – do yourself a favour and take a holiday with this book.’ Robert Twigger, author of Red Nile
‘This elegant, well-researched book follows each river’s course, revealing each one’s connections to European history, trade, religion and tourism. As Winder shows, the rivers’ effects are far-reaching; they have inspired Wagnerian operas, watered Provençal vines and more.’ Literary Review
‘If you’re a fan of river cruises, you’ll love Robert Winder’s wonderful new book Three Rivers … This lively travelogue covers history, geography, religion, art, cuisine and, of course, river sailings as its pages trace these majestic waterways from their source. Full of fascinating details, this is the perfect read to enjoy on your next river journey.’ Cruise & Travel
‘Throw a snowball from a spot near the top of the Witenwasserenstock, a Swiss peak near Andermatt, and the water it contains might have one of three very different journeys: to the North Sea (via the Rhine), to the Adriatic (via the Po) or the Mediterranean (via the Rhône). That quirk of hydrology is the starting point for Winder’s book, tracing the routes of the three rivers and their roles in shaping the history and culture of western Europe.’ Financial Times, Best Books of 2025
‘A riveting new book that dives into how Europe’s most prominent rivers … have defined the continent’s evolution, including its wine trade – all enlivened by Winder’s evocative writing.’ Decanter
‘Winder seamlessly blends geography, politics, art and economics, showing how the physical landscape shaped everything from Roman expansion and the Renaissance to agricultural expansion and now-famous local cuisines, to the complexities of modern nationalism and European unity. What makes this book such a compelling read is Winder’s infectious curiosity, resulting in an abundance of unexpected historical details, such as Leonardo Da Vinci’s pioneering work on canal locks and the impact of the rivers on specific musical traditions such as Wagnerian opera.’ Geographical
