[Vinland the Good] retells the story of Leif Ericson's discovery of North America. In its short compass and in film script style it gives full rein to Nevil Shute's gentle satire and his sense of timelessness. Leif and his friends are used to show that the seemingly unconscious striving of Everyman, and not the carefully laid plans of the great, make history. This charming work can stand as a tale of high adventure, but it carries also a quiet criticism of outmoded teaching practices in the field of history.