A beautifully illustrated, oversize survey of the history, geography, culture, and sights along the river from its source in the Alps of Switzerland to the North Sea. Among the cities, towns and villages included are Strasbourg, Colmar, Cologne, Worms, and Heidelberg. Recht, a professor of art history in Strasbourg, has written widely on art and architecture, especially the Gothic art of the Rhine.  (GER120, $75.00)