Eyewitness: Viking [Hardcover]

Susan Margeson (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Series: DK Eyewitness Books

Discover the story of the Vikings -- their ships and weapons, legends and sagas of war and discovery.

Here is a spectacular and informative guide to the daring adventurers of the Viking Age. Superb color photographs of Viking ships and swords, clothes and shields, memorial stones and beautiful brooches offer a unique "eyewitness" view into the lives of the Norse people and their outstanding achievements. See a Viking battle-ax, the magnificent ship in which a Viking queen was buried, the Viking fortress, a beautiful ceremonial sledge, and the tools of a Swedish swordsmith. Learn why the goddess Feya cried tears of gold, how longships were made, how Greenland got its name, why walruses were used to make ship ropes, what happened to Thor when he caught the world serpent, and how warriors got to Valhalla. Discover why Erik the Red had to leave Iceland, how Viking women applied for a divorce, how Viking sailors navigated, what was on the menu at a Viking feast, how to put down an empty drinking-horn, the legend of Sigurd the dragon-slayer, and much, much more.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-These welcome additions to the popular series combine wonderful photography with informative texts that are succinct and easy to read. They provide adequate introductions to their respective subjects and should encourage further exploration. Castle looks at European fortifications, Byzantine and Muslim-influenced constructions of the Crusades, and Japanese strongholds and defense strategies through photographs of architectural features, designs, and weapons. Everyday life is also documented with pictures of artifacts and people in period costumes. Beth Smith's Castles (Watts, 1988) is a good source for more extensive reading, including some tidbits about haunted castles. Viking presents an overview of this culture from music to mealtime, social hierarchy, to the more violent aspects of their explorations and expansions into new territories. Fascinating photographs of ships, weapons, and artifacts will attract reluctant readers. Hazel Mary Martell's The Vikings (New Discovery, 1992) is one of the more recent titles that can be used for further study.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

...a mini museum between the covers of a book. [Eyewitness series] -- The New York Times

These books' striking visual impact will draw in even the most casual readers. [Eyewitness series] -- School Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: DK CHILDREN; 1st edition (June 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789458942
• ISBN-13: 978-0789458940
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #318,680 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #52 in Books > Children's Books > History > Medieval
  • #74 in Books > Children's Books > History > Exploration & Discovery
  • #78 in Books > Children's Books > History > Europe

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, May 9, 2000

By 

Jessica Siegrist (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Viking (Eyewitness Books) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent source for basic information about the Vikings. It provides pictures of actual artifacts from the Viking Age, as well as photos of reenactors dressed in period clothing. A very informative book, for children and adults alike!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT A GREAT PRIMER ON THE VIKING CULTURE, September 30, 2007

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Eyewitness: Viking (Eyewitness Books) (Library Binding)

The quality of this particular series certainly has not suffered with this offering. This work explores the world of the Vikings, their culture, times, influence on the rest of the world and life. Actual photographs of artifacts, wonderful art, photographs of reenactments are all combined with a text that is actually informative and actually interesting. It is well written and easy to understand. It is great to use to start group discussions with. This book is geared for the younger crowd, but I will promise you, that unless you are an expert, you will learn things about the Viking Culture you never knew as you read this one with your young ones. You really cannot go wrong with this work, nor any of the other books in this great series and I do highly recommend it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pictoral Wonders, March 15, 2007

By 

VoteForTheLeastWorst (Dayton, OH, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Eyewitness: Viking (Hardcover)

You can't find this many pictures in a single book about Vikings for adults that I'm aware. Believe me I've looked. I also appreciate the fact that the book is historically accurate, such as explaining that the horned helmets are myth. I recommend this to both adults and children (I'm 28).