"Cruising America's Waterways: The Erie Canal" is a new, 224 page book that focuses on the joys of traveling the canals of New York state, including, of course, the world's most famous canal, the Erie. This book, unlike most books that concentrate on canal history, is about the canals (and the Hudson River) as they are today: how to use them; how their unique locks, guard gates, and dams work; and how to enjoy the cultural, recreational, and scenic opportunities they offer along their routes. The book, published by Media Artists Inc., features over 225 color photographs complemented by informative text that clearly convey the canal system's evolution from an industrial transportation route to an exciting recreational waterway.

"Cruising America's Waterways: The Erie Canal" introduces readers to communities along the Erie and its sister canals - the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca - that have been busy developing waterfront restaurants, boater services, and tourist attractions designed to welcome and entertain travelers exploring the waterways, whether by boat or by land. All photographs were taken in the year 2000 and show the canal system in all four seasons.

The book will be available in mid-August for purchase (retail price is $39.95) from bookstores or from Media Artists Inc. at 1-800-810-5458 or www.cruisingamerica.com.