Old Man River and Me

April 1, 1999
In the fall of 1993, Knudsen set off on a trip down the Mississippi River in an 18' flat-bottom johnboat he built for the purpose. His story is part adventure, part history, part politics, and part popular culture. The trip turned into more of an adventure than he had planned owing to the extensive flooding earlier in 1993. Not only did that postpone Knudsen's departure, but as he motored down the river he found extensive damage, washed-out marinas, and docks and even islands covered by high water. The people he met are a big part of the story. While Old Man River is no Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance or Blue Highways, it is an enjoyable read. The writing is engaging enough to leave the reader wishing for a more in-depth treatment. Recommended for large public libraries.--Thomas K. Fry, Penrose Lib., Univ. of Denver