Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241
Product ID: 37869397
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From Finland to Newfoundland and Jelling to Jerusalem, follow in the wake of the Vikings―a transformative story of a people that begins with paganism and ends in Christendom. In AD 800, the Scandinavians were just barbarians in longships. Though they held sway in the north, their power meant little more than the ability to pillage and plunder, which they did to bolster their status at home. But as these Norse warriors left their strongholds to trade, raid, and settle across wide areas of Europe, Asia, and the North Atlantic, their violent and predatory culture left a unique imprint on medieval history. The twist that no one predicted, however, was a much slower, insidious takeover than any the Vikings would execute, and by a turn of the tide, they themselves became its target. For as they made their mark on Europe, Europe made its mark on them. By the year 1200, what remained of the Vikings’ pagan origins floated beneath the surface and the strong, strange territories of the north had become a part of Latin Christendom. Northmen is there to tell the tale, to pay homage to what was lost and celebrate what was won. Focusing on key events, including the sack of Lindisfarne in 793 and the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, medieval history expert John Haywood recounts the saga of the Viking Age, from the creation of the world through to the dwindling years of halfhearted raids and elegiac storytelling in the thirteenth century. He does so with meticulous research, engaging narrative, and sensitivity for his subject, shedding light and blood along the way. Review: An In depth and easy to read source - John Haywood’s book tells the story of Scandinavia, from the Greeks first contact with them in 300 BC, to the mid 13th century. It gives great detail on their religion, their warrior and sea faring culture, their ancient and mysterious religion, and the eventual expansion from their homeland to raid, trade and settle elsewhere. It gives several chapters on their impact on The British isles, from the first raid on Lindisfarne, to the last Norse-Gael kingdoms. It covers their raids into Germany and France, and the founding of Normandy. Their expectations to the east, to the lakes of Finland, the forests of Russia, the vast Eurasian steppe, and Constantinople. It also covers their settlement of Iceland, Greenland, and their failed colonies in North America. I can not recommend this book enough, not just for people interested in the Vikings, but anyone even remotely interested in history. Review: Great! Dives in without unneeded info - This is the first book about Vikings I’ve read, and it was perfect! Only downside is the names are tough to keep up with as many of them shared the same name, but that’s obviously nothing against the author. The 300+ pages summed up Viking history in a way that felt like a story was being told instead of information being thrown at you. He’s able to give you the needed info without the fluff while still diving into certain battles and people. Bravo. This was an amazing read
| Best Sellers Rank | #978,502 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #19 in Norway History #43 in Scotland History #1,191 in England History |
| Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 511 Reviews |
D**E
An In depth and easy to read source
John Haywood’s book tells the story of Scandinavia, from the Greeks first contact with them in 300 BC, to the mid 13th century. It gives great detail on their religion, their warrior and sea faring culture, their ancient and mysterious religion, and the eventual expansion from their homeland to raid, trade and settle elsewhere. It gives several chapters on their impact on The British isles, from the first raid on Lindisfarne, to the last Norse-Gael kingdoms. It covers their raids into Germany and France, and the founding of Normandy. Their expectations to the east, to the lakes of Finland, the forests of Russia, the vast Eurasian steppe, and Constantinople. It also covers their settlement of Iceland, Greenland, and their failed colonies in North America. I can not recommend this book enough, not just for people interested in the Vikings, but anyone even remotely interested in history.
E**Y
Great! Dives in without unneeded info
This is the first book about Vikings I’ve read, and it was perfect! Only downside is the names are tough to keep up with as many of them shared the same name, but that’s obviously nothing against the author. The 300+ pages summed up Viking history in a way that felt like a story was being told instead of information being thrown at you. He’s able to give you the needed info without the fluff while still diving into certain battles and people. Bravo. This was an amazing read
D**6
Lots to learn about Vikings - but maybe too much
An excellent book, with lots to learn - for instance I had no idea that Normandy in France, and the Normans, were named after their settlers, the "Northmen." Or that the Angles and Saxons were also Northmen - they invaded England after the fall of Rome, and were the "English" invaded by Northmen 400 years later! But it's more appropriate for say a college level history class than a casual history buff. Otherwise 5 stars.
F**D
recument
good book
R**N
Comprehensive as it Gets!
This covers the Viking Experience in exacting detail! The Vikings had no written records for much of their existence so pulling all this info from archeology, animal remains, burials, Christian records is a huge project! The author did much good work to create this volume! At times tedious to read but never lacking in great tales and history!
K**R
Medieval madness
This work is pedantic. It gives us a very detailed and thoroughly researched info of how Vikings interacted with the rest of the world. But it is one story repeated many times only names and places change from chapter to chapter. There is very little detail on anything other than the convoluted politics of the ruling class and archaeological verifications to stories. I would recommend this to advanced students of European history.
S**Z
No horned helmets and much more
Amazingly well written as the author goes through the endless carnage of leaders, Kings, although is so well written it was an easy read. Really enjoyed his use of DNA to verify or dispel migration myths. Must have taken years to write so much detail yet prepare it so concisely and enjoyable to read.
K**R
Confusing but interesting
This book is quite confusing as so many characters have the same name. It was quite a violent time what with all the murders.
J**S
Great buy
Bought for a friend who's diving into the world of the vikings. She seems to really enjoy it. Seems very informative and good for someone with basic knowledge who wants to learn more. It reads easily and is packed with information.
C**E
Excellent purchase
Excellent purchase
R**N
10/10 worth a read
Very good book, love it. It tells you all you need to know about the Viking age. I found the chapter about the Vikings in Scotland very interesting.
J**.
recommended
one of the most interesting and detailed accounts of viking timelines.. for viking life his other book tops but for the historical and mythological description this is up there with th best.. best prices are found online
F**Y
Great read!
Enjoyable and informative book.
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