In the artificial landscape that is contemporary Los Angeles, Gumprecht observes, perhaps nothing symbolizes the role of human beings in changing the face of the earth more than the exploitation and transformation of the Los Angeles River. Modified beyond recognition, its flow tapped before it even reached the surface, the river was used, abused, and forgotten.

In recent years, however, there has been a growing interest in revitalizing its course - part of an expanding worldwide movement to revive urban rivers. The new attention that is being paid to the river highlights the need for a more complete telling of its history. The Los Angeles River offers the first comprehensive account of a river that helped give birth to one of the world's great cities, significantly shaped its development, and promises to play a key role in its future.