This book is the first in a new series of monographs to be published on Sweden's royal ship, Vasa , which sank on its maiden voyage on August 10th 1628. Volume I will put the series in context, presenting the background to the ship's story, its excavation and salvage, as well as an overview of the the finds and their context. Future volumes will examine the armaments, the engineering and the on-board community of the ship, as well as its place in society.