This book is crammed full of interesting historical facts about the worst storms, flood and gales that have hit the Bristish Isles over the last few hundred years. The fact that two of the authors, Michael Fish and Ian McCaskill, were at the heart of the events that unfolded in October 1987 when the worst ever storm blew in, gives the book authenticity. Whilst Fish, McCaskill and the third author, Paul Hudson, are all trained meterologists and bring a scientific rigour to their subject, they never lose sight of the fact that dramatic weather often has a tragic impact on human lives - their description of the North Coast Storm Surge of 1953 in which several hundred people lost their lives, is particularly moving. It is bang up to date in its coverage of this summer's floods and the chapter on climate change is very thought provoking. All in all a thoroughly good book on a fascinating topic. Highly recommended.