Vikings! [Hardcover]

Magnus Magnusson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 1980

First published in 1980 to accompany a major BBC Television series, this book explores the myth and the reality of Viking culture. The Vikings have a traditional image as fierce sea-warriors, but recent archaeological discoveries in Europe and America show them in a new light - as the greatest traders of their day and as explorers who extended the boundaries of what was to Europe the known world.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The Vikings hold a particular place in the history of the West, both mythologically and in the significant impact they had on Northern Europe. Magnus Magnusson’s indispensable study of this great people presents a rounded and fascinating picture of a nation who, in modern eyes, would seem to embody striking contradictions. They were undoubtedly pillagers, raiders and terrifying warriors, but they were also great pioneers, artists and traders—a dynamic people, whose skill and daring in their exploration of the world has left an indelible impression a thousand years on.

Sir Magnus Magnusson, the well–known television broadcaster, has been closely associated with history and archeology throughout his career. He has written and presented many historical documentaries for television and radio. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Magnus Magnusson, the well-known television broadcaster, has been closley associated with history and archaeology throughout his career. He has writeen and presented many historical documentaries for television and radio. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Adult; First Edition edition (October 26, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525228926
• ISBN-13: 978-0525228929
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,864,552 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much to learn here about the viking culture and history, April 23, 2010

By 

microjoe - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: VIKINGS! (Hardcover)

I am a big fan of viking history. This is one of the best books I have seen on the subject. First published in 1980, the title get confused with other books.
The author explores both the myths and realities of the viking culture and peoples. While they were hardy people and fierce warriors who lived in inhospitable places at times, they also introduced many important contributions to modern man. The English word 'law" is from the vikings. As explorers they ranged far in opening new trading grounds, lands and colonies. The author lays out a very detailed history of the viking, and if I had only one book on this subject, this would be the most complete. Their famous mythological sagas are wonderful stories. Terrific color and B&W photos, maps and diagrams. Massive book is nearly 300 pages long, and weighs 2 pounds 2 oz. I recommend.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Presents a lively discourse, June 6, 2004

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Vikings (Paperback)

The Viking people hold a solid place in the history of the West, and Magnus Magnusson's study of them presents a lively discourse in The Vikings of a people who were both pillagers and raiders and great pioneers and traders. The Vikings is a 'must' for any college-level personal or academic library Viking Studies or World History collection.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disorganized Knowledge, June 7, 2004

By 

"rackham4" (San Francisco, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vikings! (Hardcover)

While it is clear that Mr Magnusson knows what he is talking about when it comes to Viking history, his narrative skills leave much to be desired. The books randomly jumps from one piece of history or epic poem to the next with no coherent organization or order that I could discern. But do not take me at my word, try reading two or three paragraphs and you will see what I mean.