This is an updated edition of a classic study of one of the most controversial environmental and development issues - dam building. It explains the history and politics of dam building worldwide and shows why large dams have become such a contentious issue.

Entirely updated in the light of the 2001 World Commission on Dams Report, and responding to it, this new edition of Patrick McCully's classic study shows why large dams have become such a controversial technological issue in both the industrialized and the developing countries. The book tells the story of the rapid growth of the international anti-dam movement and suggests alternative methods of supplying the services supposedly provided by such dams.

Introduction - the end of the big dam era? the world commission on dams and beyond
the power and the water
rivers no more - the environmental effects of dams
temples of dooms - the human consequences of dams
when things fall apart - the technical failures of large dams
empty promises - the elusive benefits of large dams
paradise lost - dams and irrigation
the wise use of watersheds
energy - revolution or catastophe?
industry applies, man conforms - the political economy of damming
we will not move - the international anti-dam movement.