If you've ever longed to take up your axe and win your fortunes in the service of your Jarl, the deck of a longboat beneath your feet and the promise of plunder at the end of a sea voyage, this is the book for you. Sure, it's got some game elements (I'm a GURPS fan, but I've used the same information in a DnD game in the past). It's a good read off the shelf, full of historical information and recommendations for campaigns. In short, buy it.