Customer Reviews

The Vikings

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Dr. Wooding's brief account of the Vikings is as attractive as it is useful. The work is intended for anyone curious about the infamous medieval raiders, and yet introduces the reader to some of the most important debates about the Vikings: Why did they come? Why were they so successful? What were they really like? What did they contribute to European society and culture? The brief but lucid discussions of subjects ranging from ship-building technology to town life to Scandinavian mythology, are based on the most current archaeological, linguistic and historical findings. The approximately 150 pages are filled with beautiful, full-color photographs and new translations of selections from Old Norse texts, all of which help to illuminate different aspects of Scandinavian culture. In this elegant little work the author has aquainted us with a many-faceted people, whose identity went well beyond their reputation as fierce raiders.

Dr Woodings very interesting overview of life in the North Atlantic some 1200 years ago is delightful. He covers a heavy subject with great style. In addition, the quality of production is excellent and it is a worthy addition to any Viking collection. I do not see it as a scholastic work. If it were, I would have a different view of its content. But as a easy read, it certainly serves us well.