The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas) [Paperback]

John Haywood (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0140513280 | ISBN-13: 978-0140513288 | Publication Date: September 1, 1995

Viking marauders in their longships burst through the defences of ninth-century Europe, striking terror into the hearts of peasants and rulers alike for two centuries. But the Vikings were more than just marine warriors and this atlas shows their development as traders and craftsmen, explorers, settlers and mercenaries. With over sixty full colour maps, it follows the tracks of the Viking merchants who travelled deep into Russia, of Viking mercenaries who served in the emperor's bodyguard at Constantinople, and Viking mariners who sailed beyond the edge of the known world to North America.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Haywood is the author of a number of books, including The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings and The Historial Atlas of the Celtic World (Thames & Hudson). He lives in Lancaster.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140513280
• ISBN-13: 978-0140513288
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #25,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > History > Europe > Scandinavia
  • #20 in Books > Education & Reference > Atlases & Maps > Atlases

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow., August 21, 2000

By 

sodindo (Eugene, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas) (Paperback)

I love this book. The only book I had found worth reading on the subject was Jones' definitive A History of the Vikings, but it's somewhat dry and has the feel of a weighty textbook. This, however, is the perfect compliment to it: a brightly illustrated book, with a detailed timeline and vivid maps that really bring the past to life. Where other books have just thrown out some speculation and a few pictures of stolen coins, this book really draws you in and gives you a very realistic feel for who and what the Vikings were. This book belongs in EVERY Scandinaviophile's library.

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Illustrations, August 13, 2002

By 

Jonathan S. Mark "marjo_wycam" (Alexandria, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas) (Paperback)

The maps and illustrations are fantastic. Each pair of facing pages concentrates on one subject.

I liked the maps that conveyed additional info. There is one showing the last great expedition to reopen the trade routes with the Arabs, an expedition which ends in disaster for the Swedish adventurers.

The Khazars from Jewish history (a south Russian tribe that may have converted to Judaism) even make an appearance. It seems the Khazars gave the Vikings permission to loot their neighbors in exchange for half of the proceeds. But the Vikings were so brutal that the Khazars reneged on the deal and massacred the Norsemen on the way back from pillaging.

The Vikings eventually got even though, and their revenge led to the demise of the Khazar empire.

Reading this book is like leafing through a series of magazine articles on the general theme of the Vikings. By changing topics so often the book holds the interest of the casual reader who finds the Vikings strange and mysterious.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars At last a good book with maps on the vikings!, June 16, 2000

By 

suzanne dmytrenko (pacifica, ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas) (Paperback)

The maps in this book are clear and readable. It can be used as a stand alone, informative text, or as a supplement for historical reference. The timeline at the beginning of the book offers a comparison of activities in different parts of the world from AD 1 to 1024. This is very helpful and puts a number of events into perspective! Not only does this book help if reading Scottish, Irish and English history, but it ties in nicely while reading the new translation of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney! (Although, I would have liked a bit more information on this period) However, as a book with an overview with great maps, this book is a elemental reference text for any history buff!