From Viking to Crusader: Scandinavia and Europe 800-1200 [Hardcover]

Else Roesdahl (Editor), David M Wilson (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A complete picture of world history requires examination of the Arctic between Newfoundland and Russia, including the Vikings. Other books on Viking society are available, but few are as comprehensive as this international effort. Published to coincide with a a major exhibition traveling to Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen, this book offers enough material to close the sizable bibliographic gap that currently exists. The only real weakness is the uneven quality of the writing, which, as a result of the large number of contributors, can perhaps be forgiven. What libraries get for their money is a well-rounded view of Nordic culture, a complete catalog of artifacts in the exhibit, color illustrations, maps, and fascinating information not found elsewhere. An accessible work that would enhance most collections.
- Susan M. Olcott, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Danish, French, German, Norwegian, Russian, Swedish

Product Details

• Hardcover: 429 pages
• Publisher: Rizzoli; 1st edition (October 15, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0847816257
• ISBN-13: 978-0847816255
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,981,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The single best volume on Vikings I have ever read, November 18, 2001

By 

Green Viking (Eugene, OR United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Viking to Crusader: Scandinavia and Europe 800-1200 (Hardcover)

The perfect book; this is the one and only book that could have ranked higher than Jones' "A History of The Vikings". There are two separate halves to this masterpiece: the first is a compilation of several different authors, each taking on a different aspect of the Vikings: from metalworking to settling to religion, it's all here. The second half is a massive catalogue of Viking artifacts, with tons of pictures and detailed descriptions of swords, pieces of boats, combs, etc.

But in addition to being incredibly well-formatted and informative, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable books I've ever read. It's written in a way that an expert will get just as much out of it as a beginner, and, being loaded with pictures and text that varies from author to author, it's genuinely difficult to put this book down. You could spend hours just flipping through the catalogue at the end. This is more than just a book: more than any other, this one will take you back in time to the Viking Age. Very very highly recommended.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Primer on Viking History with a great index!, February 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: From Viking to Crusader: Scandinavia and Europe 800-1200 (Hardcover)

This is a very well-rounded book, giving insights into many facets of Viking life and history. It is well-written and very well organized. The index is a valuable resource for other materials relating to those subjects you would like to read more in depth. I highly recommend it!