Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series, 85) [Paperback]

Terence Wise (Author), Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: March 22, 1979

If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. This fascinating book by Terence Wise explores the history, organization, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organization of Norman armies.The absorbing and readable text is enriched by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight superbly drawn full page colour plates by renowned military artist Gerry Embleton.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Terence Wise is one of Osprey’s most popular authors. Terence has been a respected historical writer for more than 25 years. With numerous books and articles to his credit, he has contributed more than a dozen titles to the Men-At-Arms series, mainly on medieval subjects including studies of the military orders and the Wars of the Roses.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (March 22, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850453011
• ISBN-13: 978-0850453010
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #756,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Warriors of Dark Ages Britain, October 24, 2007

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series, 85) (Paperback)

First of all, I have no complaints against the actual content of this book; the information is accurate and well-presented, and it is a good source visually. My problem with this book is that, like many early men-at-arms titles, it simply bites into way more than it could chew. The organization and weaponry of three distinct cultures spanning a period of roughly six centuries is a sizeable topic indeed for a book of 40 pages. Though I will not say that this book is a total waste or that I wish I had not bought it, there are better alternatives availible from Osprey; for example, the Vikings and the Normans both have their own elite titles, which are much more in depth, and all three of these peoples have titles on their warrior elite.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st rate, July 1, 2005

By 

D. D Lawson (Pasadena, Calif. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series, 85) (Paperback)

A great introduction to the Dark Ages of Western Europe and the warriors who put out of its misery the Western Roman Empire. Some really good text and some great illustration from one of the early efforts of Osprey.