A Brief History of the Vikings: The Last Pagans or the First Modern Europeans? by Jonathan Clements (PDF)

Description

Between the eighth and eleventh centuries, the Vikings surged from their Scandinavian homeland to trade and raid along the coasts of Europe. Their influence extended from Newfoundland to Baghdad, their battles were as far-flung as Africa and the Arctic. But were they great seafarers or desperate outcasts, noble heathens or oafish pirates, the last pagans or the first of the modern Europeans? This concise study puts medieval chronicles, Norse sagas and Muslim accounts alongside more recent research into ritual magic, genetic profiling and climatology. It includes biographical sketches of some of the most famous Vikings, from Erik Bloodaxe to Saint Olaf, from King Canute to Leif the Lucky. Extending beyond the traditional ‘Viking age’ of most books, A Brief History of the Vikings also places sudden Scandinavian population movements in a wider historical context. It presents a balanced appraisal of these infamous sea kings, explaining both their swift expansion and its supposed halt. Supposed because the Vikings never really went away. Instead, posits Clements, they became a part of who we are today.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: About the Author Jonathan Clements is the author, co-author or translator of over thirty books, including Pirate King, The Moon in the Pines and Confucius. He divides his time between Finland and England.

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐I liked it a lot, as Vikings are a subject that I always find interesting. No new ground here really, other than the author makes sure to point out that the Vikings were travelling to North America with frequency, a 1000 years ago, and the only negative I can remember is his quick dismissal of the Kensington Stone. Thats a mistake, it is no hoax, and I think if the book had been published much later, the authors attitude towards this amazing and historically relevent artifact would be much different. I think you will enjoy this book if you decide to buy…

⭐The title says it all – an easy read for background of the Viking people/culture and history. I read it, my husband (Irish) read it and I have passed it on to a nephew for a taste of where we come from, what stock makes up a part of our blood. Being Scandinavian doesn’t just mean lutefisk and lefse and pickled herring when we’re feeling nostalgic and this book opened my eyes to how extensively the Vikings did influence the world. I would highly recommend this volume as a beginner’s tool to learn more about the past.

⭐I only had rudimentary knowledge of the origins and impact of Vikings and their culture on Europe. The lineage of Viking leaders/earls/kings is confusing although the author makes a valiant attempt to keep duplicate names straight. Because my heritage is mainly Scandinavian this book was very interesting to me. I understand now that while my ancestors were mainly of German origin my DNA reads Scandinavian.

⭐The author’s conversational style and sense of humor make this book easy and enjoyable to read. Adding recent DNA evidence cements up areas concerning which peoples settled the various parts of Britain and the world. Viking history has been told in many books, yet this one adds new slants to old history. In concluding, the author reminds us that we might respond as lawlessly as the “barbarian” Vikings in similar hardship conditions, their warmer climate, and without our modern supports of government, welfare and insurance. Indeed, he says, other people now exploit the resources of distant lands for us.

⭐Enjoyed this book, detailed enough to give an understanding of the exploits of the Vikings, but not so detailed that it is hard to maintain interest. Lots of additional reading suggested in the book if you are looking for more details on a specific person or event.Definitely a must read for anyone interested in the history of the Vikings, England, Ireland, or any of the Norse countries.

⭐Chose this book as we will be cruising the Baltic area and going to Iceland – prime Viking territory. Book has a lot more detail than I need but it’s easy to skim those parts and still get the main concepts. Who would ever suspect that the “Bluetooth” is named after a Viking! Easy reading. Well researched. Along with Viking history, of course there is world history incorporated into the text. A good basic history of these most fascinating people.

⭐Picked this book because I wanted to know more about the Vikings and their time. It was OK but seemed a bit disjointed as it jumped around more than I would like. Told me less than I wanted to know about the Viking life and their forays and much more than I wanted about who married who and when??

⭐I have not read it yet but have scanned it. Looks to hold good information and some conjecture to make you think.

⭐This is a very brief history of the Vikings and especially so when one considers that the first and second chapters are taken up in an consideration of the Vikings gods. I did enjoy the book but I must admit that I did prefer Neil Oliver’s book on the Vikings. But a readable and enjoyable account of the “Vikings” therefore four stars .

⭐enjoyed this imensly …the historical aspect was well drawn …would recommend to all history buffs ,dispels a lot of the rubbish writton about the vikings….personaly i love this period in history……

⭐I wanted to like this book, but I found it a bit boring wading through it. On the good side, it is crammed with facts and info – the author is obviously very knowledgeable, but I gave up half way through. May revisit at a later date.

⭐An easy to follow along, fairly informative and quick read.

⭐I am finding it a bit heavy going. Difficult to fit in place names mentioned with my limited knowledge of the countries and I keep getting lost about who is who.

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