The Vikings (Elite) [Paperback]

Ian Heath (Author), Angus McBride (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Elite | Publication Date: May 23, 1985

In this worthy addition to the Elite series, Ian Heath transports us to the time of the Vikings examining their epic journeys and the ships they made them in, their methods of warfare - the organisation of their armies and tactics employed, their appearance and equipment and the general history of these fascinating warrior-explorers. His authoritative text is backed by many fine illustrations and photographs including 12 stunning full colour plates by Angus McBride, one of the world's most respected military artists.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

An unrivalled illustrated reference source on fighting men and commanders, past and present. Each volume is packed with full colour artwork, making military history uniquely accessible to enthusiasts of all ages.

About the Author

Ian Heath is a highly respected author, and has written a number of Osprey titles, including MAA 89 Byzantine Armies 886-1118, MAA 287 Byzantine Armies 1118-1461 and MAA 275 The Taiping Rebellion 1851-66. He is also currently working on a five-volume project covering the armies of 19th-century Asia. Ian lives and works in Cambridgeshire, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (May 23, 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850455650
• ISBN-13: 978-0850455656
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.3 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #589,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Trip to the Viking World, May 27, 1998

By 

Holly Ingraham "ailurophile" (Honolulu, HI USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Vikings (Elite) (Paperback)

Excellent detail on the construction of ships and the prevalence of archery, as well as the usual info on swords, shields, and armor. I recommend this as a first book on Viking sailing and fighting, as well as to the deeper researcher.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good For Its Brevity., January 5, 2007

By 

SUPPORT THE ASPCA. "PILUM THROWER!" (?????) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Vikings (Elite) (Paperback)

As always Angus McBride's color plates are as lifelike as can be. Especially, plates A,E,F, & G. These elite series are more in depth than the usual armor, weapons, & uniforms. The text is more varied. From their origins in the eigth century to all their adventures from all compass points, we get little gems of information. A refreshingly wide range of sources are used. Norse sagas, English, Arab, Byzantine, Frankish, & Irish chronicles. Most areas are touched on to varying degrees. From their tactics, well known campaigns, & the Varangian guard to the less known "Jomsvikings." The latter being independent, strictly run mercenary companies.

Also, some interesting anecdotes: Did you know that dark hair was much more common among the Danes than the Swedes & Norwegians? That certainly would explain the physical appearance of the Normans on the Bayeux Tapestry. If it had a dozen more pages I would have given it five stars. For 63 pages it was well worth the price.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of the Viking period!, February 18, 2004

By 

N. Sandy Ferguson (Edmonton, AB) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Vikings (Elite) (Paperback)

I have always been a big fan of the Osprey series books, and a fan of Angus MacBride's work.
This book is a good overview of the evolving nature of Viking warfare, from the first raids on the British isles, to the end of the Viking period.
Included is a useful collection of photos of Viking weapons, armour annd other artifacts. But for me, the star of the show was the colour plates, what amazing work! MacBride gives us a diversity of glimpses, such as Viking home-life, building a long ship, the aftermath of a raid, and a great sea-battle, and the end of the Norse adventure in North America.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the Viking period!