The title, Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus, should be translated as a "Description of the Northern Peoples" rather than a "History of the Northern Peoples," as the subjects covered by the book are many.

In the subtitle, the author says that in writing about northern peoples he will describe "Their different positions, customs, habits, ways of life, superstitions, methods of instruction,activities, government, food, wars, buildings, implements, metal mines, and marvels, together with almost all the living creatures that dwell in the North, and their characteristics."

He comments on Scandinavian history, geography, warfare, natural history, religion, government. He describes housing and building, law, education, social life, leisure activities including festivals and tournaments, acting, chess, dancing, musical instruments; he writes about hunting, fishing, and agriculture.