Boater
A Life on England's Waterways
Published on 19. June 2025
Book
Hardback
304 pages
978-0-00-871629-5 (ISBN)
Description
Step aboard Boater, a mesmerising voyage along the tranquil waterways of England, written by former UK Canal Laureate, Jo Bell.
'It's not a lifestyle. It's a life'
For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It's a journey that's taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks, and above all, about the necessity for a constant supply of biscuits.
In this smart, funny memoir she describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks.
Always at home, always on the move, Jo's peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support.
'It's not a lifestyle. It's a life'
For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It's a journey that's taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks, and above all, about the necessity for a constant supply of biscuits.
In this smart, funny memoir she describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks.
Always at home, always on the move, Jo's peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support.
Reviews / Votes
'What a wonderful exploration of love and waterways - this evocative writing had populated the canals with so many more ghosts and stories - a truly enriching experience' Robin Ince'A very enjoyable immersion with an entertaining and knowledgeable guide' Tristan Gooley
'Jo Bell beautifully captures the "other side of the map" in this compelling memoir ... Boater is both a guide and a personal story that will have you pining for a day (or a year) exploring the inland waterways yourself' Hannah Pierce
'As a poet, archaeologist and boat dweller, Jo Bell has an insider's knowledge and enthusiasm whether she's delving into the giddy history of the waterways, describing fellow boaters or chronicling her own joys and heartaches as they unfold at three miles an hour on Britain's canal system' Jasper Winn
'Bell is a brilliant and often very funny writer. She navigates with ease through the deeply fascinating themes of industrial archaeology, personal memoir and our country's waterways' Sally Coulthard
'A vivid, illuminating account of canal history' Stuart Maconie
'Jo Bell steers us around a parallel country, our canal network. Keen to its history and fragile beauty, its wildlife and cast of endlessly contrary characters, she peels back the layers with precision, empathy and unfettered joy. Boater is a delicious glimpse of an alternative England that you'll never find if you stick to the satnav' Mike Parker
'Boater effortlessly threads a personal narrative through the history and culture of Britain's waterways, all of it told with the distinctive, compelling voice that has long established Bell as one of the UK's finest poets' Adam Farrer
'This highly original, beautifully written account of a personal journey through England's canal system melds love and anguish with poetry, humour and history' Brian Groom
'She makes life on a boat sound a tremendous adventure' Mail on Sunday
'Boater is one of the most entertaining and interesting canal history books in many years' Waterways World
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Dimensions
Height: 219 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-871629-5 (9780008716295)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Jo Bell is best known as former UK Canal Laureate and as director of National Poetry Day. Originally from Sheffield and raised on the edges of the Derbyshire Peak District, her fascination with historic narrowboats ignited her passion for poetry, leading to a remarkable career that included managing a fleet of these vessels. Jo lives on her 67-foot narrowboat Tinker. Boater is Jo's first work of non-fiction.