Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series, 85) (Paperback)

by Terence Wise (Author), Gerry Embleton (Illustrator) "Our knowledge of the military aspects of the so-called Dark Ages is gleaned to a large extent from contemporary literature, yet these writings are principally..." (more)
Key Phrases: Viking Age, Select Fyrd, Gerry Embleton (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. This fascinating book by Terence Wise explores the history, organisation, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organisation of Norman armies.The absorbing and readable text is enriched by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight superbly drawn full page colour plates by renowned military artist Gerry Embleton.

From the Publisher
Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 1ST edition (March 22, 1979)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850453011
• ISBN-13: 978-0850453010
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #377,714 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Warriors of Dark Ages Britain, October 24, 2007

By	K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

First of all, I have no complaints against the actual content of this book; the information is accurate and well-presented, and it is a good source visually. My problem with this book is that, like many early men-at-arms titles, it simply bites into way more than it could chew. The organization and weaponry of three distinct cultures spanning a period of roughly six centuries is a sizeable topic indeed for a book of 40 pages. Though I will not say that this book is a total waste or that I wish I had not bought it, there are better alternatives availible from Osprey; for example, the Vikings and the Normans both have their own elite titles, which are much more in depth, and all three of these peoples have titles on their warrior elite.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 1st rate, July 1, 2005

By	D. D Lawson (Pasadena, Calif. USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A great introduction to the Dark Ages of Western Europe and the warriors who put out of its misery the Western Roman Empire. Some really good text and some great illustration from one of the early efforts of Osprey.