Georg Fertig's Lokales Leben, atlantische Welt is an in-depth account of eighteenth-century migration from Southwest Germany to North America. Above all, the author seeks to explain the nature of migration decisions. Section 1 discusses theories of migration that have been entertained by historians and economists. Section 2 offers a comprehensive characterization of eighteenth-century migration from Germany to North America. Section 3, the monograph's centerpiece, concerns local migration behavior in the village of Göbrichen, located in Baden. Migration decisions in the eighteenth century were made for the most part at the individual and family level; it is at this “micro” level that Fertig explores the many aspects of migration behavior. Much of this section is devoted to explaining, in the manner of David Sabean, the social and economic relationships in this village and how they changed over time. With a motto that the best stuff lies in the details, Fertig provides a plethora of possible demographic, economic, and social reasons why Göbrichen residents might want to leave town.