Peter L. Bernstein was a teacher, economist, and historian who became one of the best-known American writers in promoting his perception of economics to the public. Bernstein graduated magna cum laude with a degree in economics from Harvard College. He was the author of ten books on economics and finance as well as numerous articles in professional journals. Including his bestseller Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk. His other books include A Primer on Money, Banking, and Gold and The Price of Prosperity. Bernstein recounts how the canal's creation helped prevent the dismemberment of the American empire and weaved the sinews of the American industrial revolution. It expresses how even the least important individuals who helped build the Erie Canal are as important as the most beneficial individual. Wedding of the Waters proclaims that all economic and public growth can be traced back to the great beginnings of engineering; the Erie Canal. Bernstein talks about a great American achievement and how it not only transformed the economic landscape but also the political and social landscape. Investigates the economic, political and social struggles that workers faced to harness the Canal's true potential. This includes conflicts with finances and other leaders who thought this project could never become a great triumph. In the 1800s, people quickly realized that the Appalachian Mountains represented a limit to the union of the Atlantic states with the lands of the West. The leaders of this great nation devised the plan to build the mighty Erie Canal and unite the western lands and the Atlantic states. Bernstein talks about how many people have tried to do things like that in… middle of paper… as I thought. Personally, I am not interested in the history and construction of the Erie Canal. But this book made me think more about how many other events actually began and without these events America would not be what it is today at all. It changed my perception of the small buildings that are truly what made America what it is today. I also liked how the book was about something that was local to my city. I would rather learn about something more local than something I will never visit. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical story. To people who want to learn more about local history and the impact it has had on American life. If someone gives this book a chance, they might find something unique they like about the amazing story of how the Erie Canal was made..