The power struggles of the Hanse in the fifteenth century played out across the waters and ports of Western Europe, as illustrated by the caravel Peter von Danzig. Originally published in 2011 in Polish, this newly translated edition of Beata Możejko's monograph gives a detailed look at the checkered career of this caravel, from her 1462 arrival in Gdańsk carrying merchant goods to her sad end near La Rochelle in 1475. The colorful history of the caravel included having served under the colors of both France and Gdańsk in turn. Using a variety of literary and archival sources, Możejko focuses on the caravel's dramatic changes in fortune as the vessel was converted from a cargo carrier to a warship during the Anglo-Hanseatic conflict. The most famous operation associated with the Peter von Danzig was her capture of a Burgundian galley as a prize. This rich cargo would bring Hans Memling's Last Judgment triptych to Gdańsk, where it now is one of the city's major tourist attractions.

Through the lens of the Peter von Danzig, scholars can get a better understanding of Gdańsk's maritime past. Możejko introduces us to the various figures that would be associated with the caravel known originally as Pierre de la Rochelle, including her first owner, Pierre Beuf. With a cargo of salt and most likely meat and butter, the Pierre de la Rochelle (later the Peter von Danzig) arrived in the city of Gdańsk, probably shortly after she was constructed. Unfortunately, her mainmast was destroyed by lightning in a spring storm. Money and materials as well as yard space would be needed to make the necessary repairs. This process of repairs is where we see the destiny of the cargo-carrying caravel being rewritten.

Through a look at what the author calls the “little histories” of the crew, we are introduced not only to the caravel but also to the medieval port and common maritime practices. Captaining the caravel on her likely first voyage was Aymar Beuf, who would begin not only the process of repairing the vessel but also the attempts to obtain credit, over which there was a clash of conflicting views between residents of Gdańsk and various figures associated with the caravel. At some point in late spring 1463, Aymar Beuf returned to France and appointed his replacement, Pierre Bizart, a man who again seemed to rely on credit from locals for both his everyday needs and maintenance of the damaged ship. His ill health and death led to Pierre de Nantes taking on the responsibilities for repairing and fitting out the caravel. Among other things, this transference of authority would complicate the situation of this vessel during its time in port.

Through a comprehensive examination of sources, Możejko traces the intricacies that would eventually lead to the city of Gdańsk taking over ownership of the caravel. It was at this point in May or June 1471 that the caravel was refitted as a warship, flying new colors. Paul Beneke's attack on a Florentine galley sailing under the Burgundy flag in 1473 would lead the Peter von Danzig—unusually large for a privateer—to become a pawn in the Anglo-Hanseatic war. This event would overshadow the vessel until her end in 1475, when she again met misfortune while sailing and was likely dismantled. The repercussions of Beneke's actions would continue into the 1530s, by which time all the original players had died.

This groundbreaking research on the Peter von Danzig highlights the importance of maritime history within the larger field of medieval historiography. Inspiring not only discussions on what type of ship the Peter von Danzig was—caravel or carrack—Beata Możejko delves into the social history of the port city of Gdańsk, and how merchants and local councilors played a role in the swinging pendulum of the fortune of this vessel. The Peter von Danzig represents the critical role that the city of Gdańsk played not just within the Hanseatic world but in European affairs in general. Możejko has set the groundwork for future studies of the Peter von Danzig's role in international diplomacy and Gdańsk's position as a player in the contemporary maritime world.