The story of the narrowboats' transition from workhorses of industry to today's leisure craft Bright and colorful, slow and easy, narrowboats are seen today as the epitome of a peaceful life and a wonderful way to get away from the stresses of modern living. Although true, this is a far cry from their origins as the workhorses of the early days of industrial revolution, without which Britain may never have developed as far and fast as it did. Packed with little-known snippets of information, this entertaining and informative guide retraces the story of how narrowboats have evolved, how their very existence was once challenged, and how they have risen phoenix-like into the relaxing craft of today.