North Sea saga

"North Sea Saga recounts the story of the North Sea and the people living around it from prehistoric times to the present day. Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age warriors, Roman Empire builders, Viking raiders, medieval merchants and modern political and commercial rivals are among the characters of this saga." "The long lasting inter-relations between all the countries of the North Sea coastline - Scandinavia, Germany, the Low Countries and Britain - are explored in detail. Paul Jordan demonstrates how their histories have far more in common than things which divide them, including the topical threat of global warming that threatens to flood the low-lying southern coastlines of the region." "The triumphs and troubles of two major modern industries - fishing and oil - are chronicled in this book, while the stories of seafarers, shipbuilders, mariners, pirates, fishermen and oil men who have struggled to make a living from the sea and sometimes suffered grievously at its hands are skilfully woven into the narrative." "The North Sea as we know it has existed for less than ten thousand years, yet its rich history as a battleground, barrier, highway and resource provides a wealth of material for this book."--Jacket.