Viking History and Society

"This book brings the Vikings to life, showing them as they saw themselves, portrayed in their own writings or in the reports of people who knew them closely. It comprises a series of new translations from primary sources: runic inscriptions left behind by the Vikings, poems of their official skalds, literary works that entertained them, the few prose historical accounts that derive direct from Vikings, and eyewitness reports of how the northern peoples lived." "To understand the primary sources it is essential to have some idea of how they came into being and how they were preserved. In his extensive introduction, Professor Page discusses the problems involved in using writings of this sort and looks at the information that is preserved solely in these primary sources."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Medieval World series provides the student, scholar and general reader with short studies of key aspects and personalities of the medieval world.

From the 9th to the 11th century, Viking ships landed on almost every shore in the Western world. Viking ravages united the Spanish kingdoms and stopped Charlemagne and the Franks' advance in Europe. Wherever Viking ships roamed, enormous suffering followed in their wake, but the encounter between cultures changed both European and Nordic societies. Employing sail technology and using unpredictable strategies, the Vikings could strike suddenly, attack with great force, then withdraw with stolen goods or captives. Viking society was highly militarised, honour was everything and losing one's reputation was worse than death. Offending another man's honour could only be resolved through combat or blood revenge.This short history of the Vikings discusses how they raided across Europe even reaching America, discussing their ships, weapons and armour, and unique way of life.