Customer Reviews

The Vikings (Trade Editions)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

Like other books in the Osprey Elite series, this one held my interest throughout. Therefore I finished it very quickly. The illustrations help me visualize what real life Vikings must have looked like.

The description of the Viking rite of "carving-the-blood-eagle" was something that I had never read anywhere before. Imagine the terror of seeing these guys arriving from over the horizon ca. 950 A.D.

One of the best books I have seen on the Vikings. The Text does a brief but good & concise job about the history of the Norsemen. That & the illustrations of these barbarian slavers is 1st rate and worth the price alone.
Well done to all hands involved!

I've always enjoyed reading books like Myths of the Norsemen: From the Eddas and Sagas and Exploring The Northern Tradition, but I wanted to know more about the actual Viking warriors, and Osprey's The Vikings was perfect.

The book begins with explaining who the Vikings were: where they came from, and where their name came from. The next section discussed the different Viking ships; however, a more detailed account can be found in Viking Longship. "Vikings Abroad" offered more information than the other areas: England in the 9th & 10th centuries, the Battle of Clontarf in Ireland, the Varangian Guard in the East, and England in the 11th century. I was slightly surprised that many of the battles on England's soil was between different Viking kings.

"Viking Warfare" listed different tactics, and what the Vikings wore into battle. They even described the fighting with natives in North America. There were illustrations and photographs for every topic in the book. The detail accounts of their culture were incredible, and even mentions Ibn Fadlan (the Arab portrayed in The 13th Warrior).

Another book that you might enjoy is Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series).

This is by far the best book on the Vikings from a military perspective, Osprey or otherwise. The text is concise and is both exciting and informative. The plates depict the Viking warriors as well as their enemies and their women with lifelike expressions and poses, and include several spirited battlescenes.

Yet another great one from Osprey. Great easy to read info and history on Vikings and the illustrations are flat out amazing. Highly recomended for anybody interested in the Vikings as well as reenactors and SCA types!