Strong Water - The Dutch Waterline

In the countryside of the central part of Holland the defence works of the Dutch Waterline are prominently present. Interest in preservation as well as use of this region has risen in the last couple of years. Efforts are being made to add this unique part of the Netherlands (including more than forty forts!) to the World Heritage List of the UNESCO - but is also an immensely popular area for hikers and bikers.

In the desastrous year of 1672 improvised innundations and field fortifications brought the French invasion to a standstill. This was in fact the basis for the erection of the Dutch waterline as the main defenceline in the Netherlands.  By making an optimal use of innundated polders and forts on the higher roads, only a small number of defensive troops would be able to guard a vast area. During the 19th Century this defence-system was optimised into perfection. De construction and development of this 85 kilometers long defenceline was of major importance to the infrastructure and landscape of the central part of the Netherlands.

Strong Water - The Dutch Waterline tells the history of the Old as well as of the New Dutch Waterline as well as the changes and development of the countryside. The book is illustrated with HUNDREDS of photos, plans, drawings and maps - many in colour. It is written in Dutch.

Paperback edition from 2003 (€ 20.00)

The book is in (VERY) GOOD shape!