This book is a unique study of the great wind storms of the last 500 years that have affected the British Isles and the seas and coasts of northwest Europe. This is the only region for which there is sufficient information available in archives to make such a study possible. Almost all the storms since about 1700 are reported with meteorological maps and wind strength estimates and measurements. The book also looks at trends and secular variations and the impact of these great storms on seafarers, local populations and the landscape. The book will be of value to scientists, engineers, historians, economists and conservationists.