Customer Reviews

Vikings!

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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.

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.

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.