Northern Waters

This is the story of four northern European oceans: the cold Barents Sea, the deep, mighty Norwegian Sea, the shallow North Sea and the narrow Skagerrak. These oceans are among the richest in the world, teeming with fish, whales, birds and seals, and they have supported human life along the shores for more than 11,000 years.

Northern Waters shows the vital roles these seas have played in European history, through fishing, hunting, travels and trade. For millennia, these oceans were barely affected by the deeds of mankind. Now, the myriads of life forms beneath the surface are threatened by global warming, acidification, pollution and trawling.

In Northern Waters natural science, history, mythology and travelogues are intertwined with a journey of personal discovery: the author’s many journeys at sea serve as starting points for larger stories. Drawing on a wealth of sources from marine biology, oceanography, geology, archaeology and more, the author conveys his knowledge in a clear and accessible language with exceptional literary qualities.

Northern Waters springs from a profound love of the ocean. The book, which offers both insight and a wonderful reading experience, has had an overwhelming reception from Norwegian critics.