Historically, people have always been drawn to living near water. The reason is twofold. Firstly, water provides a means of transport and food, and, secondly, it is a source of tranquillity, beauty, and a connection to nature. Elizabeth McMillian, an art and architectural historian from Los Angeles and a former architecture editor at Architectural Digest, has written about 35 homes set on or near the sea, lakes, rivers and ponds. From an ancient Irish cottage in Kilkenny County and a 10th-century tavern near the sea in Italy, to a modern, cliff-side home in Seattle, McMillian has documented the divergent cultural and technological approaches to waterside living. This sumptuous book gains access to some of the world"s most beautiful homes and some of the world"s most glorious settings. Presented in full colour with stunning pictures, Living on the Water records the details of the builders and owners as well as the home"s unique waterside setting. It"s a beautiful book that offers a glimpse behind the locked doors of these wonderful private residences. --Brian Reinker