Book excerpt: This book is a fascinating study of the varied nature of Irish river ecosystems--their beauty, significance, and the natural and human factors that make each one distinct. Ireland's Atlantic climate, alongside its largely agricultural economy and relatively small population, make the nature of Irish rivers vastly different from those on the European continent. With that in mind, there is significant interest in implementing measures to protect the dwindling number of near-pristine rivers in Ireland. This beautifully illustrated book provides a wonderful overview of Irish rivers and the risks that conservationists face in preserving their unique natural beauty.