The late Douglas Bowd, a fifth generation member of a Hawkesbury family put years of research into his book. His work covers the people who made the Hawkesbury District, from Governor Macquarie through to farmers, boatmen, inn keepers and ministers of religion. Prominent families and well known buildings get a mention, along with stories of the river and of disastrous floods. This book is a tribute to these people who had faith in the district and its future.