In the spring of 1978, as a young journalist in Paris, Elaine Sciolino was seduced by a river.

In The Seine, she tells the story of that river through its rich history and lively characters--a bargewoman, a riverbank bookseller, a houseboat-dweller, a famous cinematographer known for capturing the river's light.

She patrols with river police, rows with a restorer of antique boats, discovers a champagne vineyard, and even dares to swim in the Seine.