Written by two well-known historians of the Baltic/ Scandinavian region, this book breaks ground in the way it presents the history of the two major seas of Northern Europe: we get away from a "names-dates-events" approach to a more holistic view of the term "history" with repsect to the Baltic and North Seas. It is not only people and institutions who figure in this book, but the seas themselves, beginning from their formation. The book examines such questions as how the presence of these seas influenced life around them, ranging from trade and the technology of sailing to the use of the shoreline for livelihood and recreation.

Parts of this book 'feel' very visual in nature, though there are rather few (but well chosen) illustrations. Indeed, one could envision a six-part television series based on this book -- the sort of thing the BBC or Discovery or History Channel do well.

Too bad about the price -- bring out a paperback edition!