Steven Solomon's book "Water: the Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power, and Civilization" examines the crucial role that access to water has played in the  rise, fall and ongoing fortunes of civilizations and cultures through history,  from Ancient Egypt to Ancient China - and how rising concerns about the world's clean water supply are raising vexing political and social questions all around the world.   This interview was recorded in 2009.  Solomon has written for Forbes, Esquire and Business Week and has been a commentator for NPR's Marketplace.