Melvin and Gilda Berger present a simple, but detailed introduction to the Vikings in this National Geographic history. The text is illustrated with maps, photos of archaeological artifacts and contemporary images, and decorated with a layout taken from 17th century Icelandic manuscripts.Each chapter deals with a different area of Viking and Scandinavian life, beginning with a general introduction and followed by a description of Scandinavian life at home. Further sections are devoted to Viking power structures and religion, and to the various factors that made Vikings such feared and powerful invaders. Accounts of the history of Viking raids are followed by a description of settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and northern America. The final chapter discusses the many contributions Vikings made to historical and modern society, including language, political advancements, and cultural ideas. A timeline, index, and further resources are included. Discussions of archaeological discoveries are spread throughout the chapters, showing the sources for the historical information presented.
This isn't a long book - only 55 pages, but it packs an extensive amount of information and history into a compact space. If you need more Viking or early explorer nonfiction in your collection, this is an excellent choice.
Verdict: An excellent choice, but I don't need any more history right now.
ISBN:978-0792251323; Published October 2003 by National Geographic; Borrowed from the library
3 comments:
This was my favorite of the library's Viking books when we checked them ALL out sometime last year. We're also big fans of the Crafts from the Past series (the Viking one and the Roman one)--do you have those?
I think we have a medieval one. I wish our history section checked out more so I could justify buying cool history books...but I have to buy sports and biographies first.
This sounds like one I should bring home to my boys...thanks!
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