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Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings Paperback – September 13, 2022

by Neil Price (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,885 ratings
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A “thrilling” (Wall Street Journal) history of the Vikings by a pre-eminent scholar

The Viking Age saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval writers, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more.

Based on the latest archaeological and textual evidence, Children of Ash and Elm tells the story of the Vikings on their own terms: their politics, their cosmology and religion, their material world. Known today for a stereotype of maritime violence, the Vikings exported new ideas, technologies, and beliefs to the lands and peoples they encountered. From Eirík Bloodaxe, who fought his way to a kingdom, to Gudríd Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman in the world, Children of Ash and Elm is a remarkable history of the Vikings and their time.

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  1. Print length
    640 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Basic Books
  4. Publication date
    September 13, 2022
  5. Dimensions
    5.5 x 1.9 x 8.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1541601114
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1541601116
  8. See all details
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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,885 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched. They describe it as an entertaining read that reads like a novel. Readers praise the engaging writing style and clear, concise writing. The visual quality is also appreciated, with vivid and evocative prose and well-painted scenes. Overall, customers find the book provides a thorough and detailed look into Viking history.

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InsightReadabilityWriting qualityVisual quality
49 customers mention "Insight"46 positive3 negative

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched. They say it provides a nuanced look at the Vikings' history, including Tolkien's world. The book is well-documented and crafted, with a historical-anthropological presentation of the history of the Vikings from their perspective.

"...It's a great, comprehensive book so far. Amazon, FIX YOUR SYSTEM. You are killing writers with this bug." Read more

"...Scientific measurements are getting more precise and nuanced all the time...." Read more

"hildren of Ash and Elm by Neil Price is an ambitious exploration of the Viking Age, offering a sweeping narrative that delves into the complexities..." Read more

"...This book was very insightful. Would recommend." Read more

45 customers mention "Readability"40 positive5 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They find the content informative and interesting, with an enlightening approach to complex issues. The book is described as a good introduction to Norse beliefs and a worthwhile read.

"This is a good read for those of you who want to learn more about the Vikings and their times from a current archaeological point-of-view...." Read more

"...daily lives of ordinary men and women, Price's insights are both enlightening and thought-provoking...." Read more

"...is that it does not dumb complicated issues down, does not treat its readership like idiots but it explains them instead in a clear and concise..." Read more

"...“a thrilling read” as the Wall Street Journal promises, but overall enjoyable and generally well-written. I learned a lot." Read more

23 customers mention "Writing quality"18 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as a masterfully crafted work that is accessible to lay readers. The story is told in a clear and concise manner that doesn't overwhelm the ideas. Overall, readers appreciate the compelling exploration of the subject matter.

"...Neil Price is an ambitious exploration of the Viking Age, offering a sweeping narrative that delves into the complexities of Viking society, culture..." Read more

"...readership like idiots but it explains them instead in a clear and concise manner that does not strip the ideas from their subtlety...." Read more

"...as the Wall Street Journal promises, but overall enjoyable and generally well-written. I learned a lot." Read more

"The first 100 pages or so are perfectly written and absorbing, but then the text quickly falters...." Read more

8 customers mention "Visual quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the vivid and evocative prose, well-painted scenes, and in-depth look at these people. They find the book's presentation exciting and well-written, giving a good impression of how varied that world was.

"...One of the most striking aspects of Children of Ash and Elm is its vivid and evocative prose...." Read more

"...It also avoids the pitfalls of over-generalizing. The book gives a good impression of how varied that world was." Read more

"...Read it not just for its well-written and exciting presentation of the very new archaeological finds...." Read more

"...of these people, tribes, culture and history but this book really fleshed it out...." Read more

Book of the year?
5 out of 5 stars
Book of the year?
Probably, the best introduction to the Viking Phenomenon. Read it not just for its well-written and exciting presentation of the very new archaeological finds. But also for its well crafted historical-anthropological presentation of the history of the Vikings from their prehistory in the ecological catastrophe in the 6th century, through their early slaving, raiding and trading economy and on to the migration and diaspora in the 10th century. And read it for its masterly form of composition turning it into a paradigmatic book on how to write cultural history.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • beejayjr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Again, Amazon created a 1-star rating for me. This is the 2nd book it did that to. The first one was a book I wrote. I haven't even finished this one, but it won't let me delete the rating, so I've created this review. It's a great, comprehensive book so far.

    Amazon, FIX YOUR SYSTEM. You are killing writers with this bug.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Erik Peterson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Children of Ash and Elm
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This is a good read for those of you who want to learn more about the Vikings and their times from a current archaeological point-of-view.

    Scientific measurements are getting more precise and nuanced all the time. Genetic traces can identify ethnicities and genders of persons long dead (A few surprises here), and radiocarbon isotopes can tell you where a person was born and raised, where they lived as an adult, and of course we already know (habeas corpus) where they died.

    We also have relatively new insights about the effects of certain natural catastrophies on matters such as climate change - it is now thought that a series of unusually large volcanic eruptions which occurred in the 6th century A.D. in southeastern Asia may have kicked up enough dust around the planet to cause the climate to cool precipitously for up to eighty years - an event which apparently caused a large scale die off of the Scandinavian population due to agricultural collapse, and which was the motivating driver behind the ‘Migration Period’, when northern peoples went south crashing into the Roman frontier in order to survive the cold-induced famine.

    The author also has some cautionary notes about what our northern friends were really like. One of my favorites was:

    ‘When one looks closer, the real power,and the means of producing it, can take unexpected forms. Some years ago, a prominent historian despaired of the constant focus on the Vikings as maritime warriors, and instead stressed the fact that most of the Scandinavian population stayed at home on the land and never did any harm to anyone. The time of the Vikings, he claimed, was really ‘the Golden Age of the pig farmer.’ He had a point, though he got the animal wrong: The Scandinavian landscape of the late Viking period was a world of sheep.’ (For making ship’s sails and warm clothing)

    Also, everything hideous that the Arab traveler Ibn Fadlan described with regard to that gang of Russian Volga Vikings he met up with has been shown archeologically to be more or less true.

    Bottom line is, Tolkien’s stories are about Vikings and their religion the way they should have been, not the way they actually were.

    PS. The author (Neil Price) is an engaging and informative speaker, and has lectures on this subject readily available on You-tube.
    49 people found this helpful
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  • /recon
    4.0 out of 5 stars Vivid and Thought-Provoking: A 4-Star Review of 'Children of Ash and Elm
    Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    hildren of Ash and Elm by Neil Price is an ambitious exploration of the Viking Age, offering a sweeping narrative that delves into the complexities of Viking society, culture, and worldview. As a history enthusiast with a particular interest in the Norsemen and their legacy, I approached this book with eager anticipation. While it may not be without its flaws, it undoubtedly stands as a remarkable achievement in the field of Viking studies.

    One of the most striking aspects of Children of Ash and Elm is its vivid and evocative prose. Price demonstrates a remarkable ability to bring the past to life, painting a rich tapestry of Viking Age society that is both immersive and captivating. From the windswept shores of Scandinavia to the bustling trade routes of the Mediterranean, readers are transported to a world teeming with life, color, and adventure.

    Moreover, Price's meticulous research and attention to detail shine through in every chapter of the book. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, archaeological evidence, and comparative analysis, he presents a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of Viking society. Whether discussing the intricacies of Norse mythology, the dynamics of Viking-age politics, or the daily lives of ordinary men and women, Price's insights are both enlightening and thought-provoking.

    Furthermore, Children of Ash and Elm challenges many preconceived notions about the Vikings, offering a more balanced and nuanced perspective on this enigmatic civilization. Rather than portraying them as mere raiders and plunderers, Price emphasizes the diversity and complexity of Viking culture, highlighting their contributions to art, literature, exploration, and trade. By examining the Vikings on their own terms, he invites readers to reconsider their assumptions and confront the complexities of the past.

    However, while Children of Ash and Elm excels in many areas, it is not without its shortcomings. At times, the sheer breadth of material covered in the book can feel overwhelming, making it difficult for readers to fully digest and absorb the information presented. Additionally, Price's writing style, while eloquent and engaging, may be overly dense and academic for some readers, potentially limiting its accessibility to a broader audience.

    In conclusion, Children of Ash and Elm is a monumental work that offers a compelling and comprehensive exploration of the Viking Age. With its vivid prose, meticulous research, and thought-provoking insights, it stands as an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the world of the Norsemen. While it may not be without its flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-read for historians, students, and enthusiasts alike.
    12 people found this helpful
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  • Eric Wild
    5.0 out of 5 stars Such a great read
    Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I am more interested in the culture other than raiding and killing. This book was very insightful. Would recommend.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • jan_maliniak
    5.0 out of 5 stars AMAZING
    Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a brilliant book, just finished reading it a second time. It's greatest strength is that it does not dumb complicated issues down, does not treat its readership like idiots but it explains them instead in a clear and concise manner that does not strip the ideas from their subtlety. It does not gloss over the destruction the Vikings caused. It discusses in detail how Viking age Scandinavian societies were based on slavery, human trafficking, and sex trafficking in fundamental ways. But it also presents the unbelieveable diversity and scope of Viking age societies, trying to give the reader a peek into the lives of these people a thousand years ago. Neil Price is an archologist and it is the material evidence of the Viking world that informs his thinking and his writing about it. The descriptions and interpretations of burials, settlements, architecture, bits and pieces of everyday life are fascinating.

    I don't remember when was the last time I was so thrilled by a book. Stellar work.
    13 people found this helpful
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  • James Kresse
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good structure
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book delves into the subject by numerous cultural aspects (religion, dress, transportation, etc.) instead of the more common chronological telling. It also avoids the pitfalls of over-generalizing. The book gives a good impression of how varied that world was.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Ernesto B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars alta calidad
    Reviewed in Mexico on January 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    genial
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  • Blue
    5.0 out of 5 stars The best
    Reviewed in Canada on May 27, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book is possibly the best and most informatove, beginner friendly to advanced book on nordic history you will ever find. Its also beautiful!
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  • Havers55
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very well written
    Reviewed in Spain on October 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you are keen to learn about the so called Viking age or even if you are well read on the subject, this book is a gem. Highly recommended.
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  • Cliente 1927
    4.0 out of 5 stars buon libro
    Reviewed in Italy on October 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    buona introduzione al periodo
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  • Mr. S. Cartlidge
    5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting and engaging exploration of Viking history
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I absolutely loved reading "The Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings" by Neil Price. This book provided a comprehensive and detailed account of Viking history that was both informative and engaging.

    What I appreciated most about this book was how it offered a nuanced look into Viking society and culture beyond their military conquests. Price did an excellent job of exploring different aspects of Viking life, including their religion, art, and social structures, which gave me a better understanding of who the Vikings were and how they lived.

    The writing style was accessible and easy to follow, even when the topics became more complex. Price's use of different sources, including archaeological finds and literature, added depth to the narrative and made it feel like I was getting a full picture of Viking history.

    Overall, "The Children of Ash and Elm" is an excellent read for anyone interested in Viking history. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating period in history.
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