The Erie Canal story is a historically significant chapter of American History. The author did an outstanding job of, first, enrolling the reader in the original vision of the need for the canal and then incrementally relating the many benefits to the fledgling American economy as well as the impact on the great Westward Expansion.

Well-researched, this is an excellent book for history buffs. Comprehensive and yet pithy enough to avoid boredom. This is a good read for Westerners. ’gives some insight as to happenings on the other side of things.