Book excerpt: Rivers are not mere geographical features; they are conduits of history, carriers of culture, and architects of ecosystems. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the sprawling deltas of the Amazon, each river has carved its narrative, etching indelible stories into the geographies it traverses. As we embark on this literary exploration, let us navigate the currents of time, immersing ourselves in the narratives that have unfolded along the banks of the great rivers of our world. The tales woven into the fabric of this collection span the continents, from the ancient cradle of Mesopotamia, where the Tigris and Euphrates once whispered to Sumerian poets, to the expansive waterways of the Amazon, where the rainforest hums with the secrets of the mighty river. We delve into the mythologies of the Ganges, sacred and revered, carrying the spiritual aspirations of millions within its gentle ripples. The Nile, with its storied past, whispers echoes of pharaohs and pyramids, a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.