Glorious Vasa: The magnificent ship & 17th century Sweden: Skeppet Vasa & Svenskt 1600-Tal

The central page was wrapped/folded over on itself/torn. (Couldn'T change as it was a present and last available). Otherwise all was as described.

From other reviews it is clear that people have bought this book with differing expectations. My artistic daughter was immediately enthralled with the images. She will doubtless enjoy the descriptions of life in Sweden given her interest in history, travel and other cultures.

A large and impressive book at first sight, but don't be fooled by the title into expecting a detailed account of the Vasa's building, sinking and salvage. Most of the book is devoted to aspects of 17th Century Swedish life. It is lavishly illustrated with colour images, but the majority bear no obvious relation to the ship - frosty leaves, rocky landscapes, even a cabbage leaf! It may satisfy those wanting a photographic essay on the Swedish landscape, but it entirely fails to match the quality and the drama of the impressive Vasa Museum and its wonderful displays.

I was disappointed with the book. The majority of the book's contents are devoted to the period in which the Vasa was built. Although there were many beautiful photographs of the carvings on the ship, little space was actually devoted to the ship. It is definitely not a book for ship modelers.