This is one of my favorite kinds of history; starting from the early centuries and watching the evolution of people to more modern times. The map on the opening pages was a great gift; it helps place information. It seems odd that Denmark and Sweden would convert to Christianity early, while the Norwegians didn't Christianize until the 1100s. Margaret I of Denmark was a surprise; she certainly has been sitting in the shadow of Elizabeth I all these years. Before reading this book, I'd never heard of the Kalmar Union.

Another surprise was the alignment of Denmark with Napoleon. The author explains the alliance well. Another surprise was the neutral stance Denmark tried to adhere to during WWI and WWII. That must have been an incredibly difficult task.

I sometimes wonder why the author mentions film and television programs in this book. For those of us who do not watch television, it is a lost commentary. For those who do watch, what does it add to the story at hand? If it is something the reader should know, tell us. Please don't tell us to watch a program to understand. Also, the mention of HAMLET was fine, but telling readers that the people of Denmark are some of the happiest on earth is illogical. What does one have to do with the other? Strange.

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