The Naked Shore

Saturnine and quick-tempered, the formidable North Sea is often overlooked – even by those living within a stone''s throw of its steel-grey waters. But as playground, theatre of war and cultural crossing-point, it has shaped the world in myriad ways, forged villains and heroes, and determined the fates of nations.

It''s not all grim, though: the seaside holiday was born on North Sea beaches, ...