The Last Vkings - The Epic Story of the Great Norse Voyagers
A fascinating investigation into one of the most elusive mysteries of the far North. Kirsten Seaver brings to life a wonderful cast of Saga heroes, the Norse at their most outlandish and compelling.' - Joanna Kavenna, author of The Ice Museum; 'The Last Vikings is an impressive work by a highly experienced writer. The primary and secondary sources are handled with clarity and confidence and interpretations are given and opinions expressed about numerous controversial matters. The writing is efficient, sharp and with touches of striking phraseology and the pace is always maintained; this author knows exactly what she wants to communicate.
Kings and Vikings - Scandinavia and Europe A.D. 700 - 1100
Sawyer's book is an exploration using current research of what and who the vikings were. Far from the blood thirsty raiders of Bede and the chroniclers, or the peaceful traders of modern hopes, it shows the vikings to have mingled both activities.
This book provides a comprehensive work of reference for people interested in the vikings, including entries on the main historical figures involved in this dramatic period, important battles and treaties, significant archaeological finds, and key works and sources of information on the period. It also summarizes the impact the vikings had on the areas where they traveled and settled. There is a chronological table, detailed and annotated bibliographies for different themes and geographical locations, and an introduction discussing the major events and developments of the viking age.
Except for Chapter 3 which provide brief insights into actual life in Ireland in the period 400-800 A.D., IRELAND BEFORE THE VIKINGS is a compendium of the comings and goings and the rise and fall of numerous kinglets, princes, chiefs, and warriors, their geneology and their deaths in battle. As part of the much larger Gill History of Ireland, no doubt all this has an important part. For Irish people, it may be necessary reading to grasp more fully their country's long history.
Vikings: Roleplaying in the World of the Norsemen (Roleplaying Game)
"From the fury of the Norsemen, oh Lord, deliver us!" So prayed the Irish monks.
To the victims of a Viking raid, the Norsemen were bearded giants with bloody axes. But the Viking was much more – a skilled navigator, a brave explorer, a hard-working trader. A dreamer whose songs and stories live even today. And a Viking was a free man – a man to whom honor and reputation were more important than life itself.
