The Vikings is a detailed and accessible guide to the Viking Age, from around 800AD to 1066. The book is divided into three sections; A History of the Vikings, The Viking Hersir and The Viking Longship. There is also a detailed chronology, a glossary of technical terms and an appendix of Viking-related museums in the UK and Scandinavia.
A History of the Vikings
The first chapter gives a broad overview of who the Vikings were, where they came from and why they made such an impact on medieval society. The book opens with an account of the first known Viking raid in England and explores why and how Viking raids were so successful.
The author looks in detail at Viking society, from Scandinavian royalty, through to slaves, the lowest status people in Viking communities. There is a section on the rights and roles of Viking women, with the co-authors taking the view that females held respected and important positions in Scandinavian families and wider society during this period. For example, women had a claim to half the marital property and complete authority over all household matters.
The Vikings in America
The authors examine the evidence for possible Viking settlements in North America during the medieval age. They present information about Viking encampments in Newfoundland and archaeological material which has been found at these sites.
The modern-day debate about whether the Vikings did reach America is explored, with a look at the various theories and also contemporary sagas, which told of visits to strange lands.
Violence in the Viking Age
Chapter two, The Viking Hersir, explores the violent and tribal nature of Viking society. There are sections on the training of warriors, individual weapon skill and battle tactics, both at sea and on land.
Much of the effectiveness of Viking raids came from elements of fear and surprise. The authors assert that Viking tactics were both physical and psychological. Many opponents of the Vikings feared the battle standards and symbols which these warriors used during raids and battles. The raven standard was particularly feared and held a mystical and superstitious terror for opponents.
The authors examine the strategies and outcomes of various Viking battles, including the battle of Hafrsfjord of c872AD and the battle of Maldon in 991AD. Weapon manufacture and the advantages and disadvantages of various Viking weapons including the helmet, sword and shield are explored.
The Viking Longship
The final chapter is a detailed look at the Viking longship and its place in Viking history and folklore. The authors look at the earliest forms of Viking boats, which were constructed of skin or log and recount the various stages of evolution in the creation of the longboat. The roles of shipwrights and engineers are explained, with descriptions of modern-day boat reconstructions to help place the information in context.
Book Summary
The Vikings is a detailed and well-presented reference book with interesting illustrations which are relevant to the text. The book’s images are a mixture of photographs, color drawings and maps. Almost every double-page spread carries one or more illustrations, which serves to add interest to the text and the captions add reader value.
The authors take a practical approach to their huge subject and if certain facts have not been proven, or are uncertain, the reader is advised of this. The narrative is fresh and interesting, with plenty of information, to give the book a long shelf life.
Publication Details
Chartrand R, Durham K, Harrison M, Heath I The Vikings, Voyagers of Discovery and Plunder [Osprey Publishing, 2006] 208 pages
ISBN: 9781846030871
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