As we all know, the Vikings were a fearsome people. But many don’t know that their history is full of amazing stories and fascinating facts. If you want to learn more about these legendary warriors, check out one of our top ten best Viking history books.
The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings Paperback by Lars Brownworth
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and entertaining history of the Vikings, look no further than Lars Brownworth’s “The Sea Wolves.” Brownworth does an excellent job of tracing the origins and development of Viking culture from their early days as raiders and traders to their ascendancy as one of Europe’s most feared military powers.
He provides vivid descriptions of key battles, voyages, and political intrigues that shaped Viking history along the way. Anyone interested in this oft-mysterious people will find much to appreciate in Brownworth’s book.
The Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson
The Vikings have a long and almost mythical history, one that is often shrouded in mystery and legend. In The Vikings: A History, Robert Ferguson sets out to dispel some of the myths surrounding these ancient people.
Using archaeological evidence and contemporary accounts, Ferguson paints a picture of a people who were far more complex than the stereotype would suggest.
The Vikings were skilled sailors and warriors, but they were also farmers, traders, and explorers. They colonized new lands, established thriving settlements, and left a lasting mark on the cultures they encountered. The Vikings: A History is an essential read for anyone looking to learn more about this fascinating period in history.
Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price
Neil Price’s “Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings” is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the history of the Viking people. Price draws on a wide range of sources, from archaeology to medieval sagas, to provide a detailed and nuanced picture of Viking society.
He covers a variety of topics, from the everyday lives of Viking farmers and craftsmen to the motivations behind their impressive feats of exploration and conquest.
Perhaps most significantly, Price challenges many of the popular misconceptions about the Vikings, painting them not as brutal barbarians but as a complex and sophisticated people. “Children of Ash and Elm” is essential reading for anyone interested in learning more about the Vikings and their unique place in history.
The Viking Hondbók: Eat, Dress, and Fight Like a Warrior by Kjersti Egerdahl
Kjersti Egerdahl’s The Viking Hondbók: Eat, Dress, and Fight Like a Warrior is a fascinating look at the everyday lives of the Viking people. Egerdahl paints a vivid picture of what it was like to live in Viking times using various primary and archaeological sources.
The book covers everything from food and clothing to warfare and shipbuilding, providing readers with a detailed glimpse into the culture of the Viking people.
In addition to being a valuable resource for history buffs, The Viking Hondbók is also an enjoyable read for anyone interested in learning more about this intriguing period in history.
The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth
The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth is an informative and well-written history of the Viking age.
Winroth covers a wide range of topics, including the Norse cosmology, the Viking expansion westward, and the establishment of the Norse settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and North America. He also provides a detailed account of Viking culture and society, including their economy, religion, warfare, and art.
In addition, Winroth includes a helpful glossary of terms and a bibliography for further reading. The Age of the Vikings is an essential read for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period in history.
History of the Vikings and Norse Culture by Njord Kane
Njord Kane’s “History of the Vikings and Norse Culture” provides an insightful and fascinating look into the lives of the Vikings. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Viking way of life, their beliefs and values, their interactions with other cultures, and their legacy.
Kane does an excellent job of bringing the Vikings to life, and readers will come away with a greater understanding of these unique and intriguing people.
In addition, the book includes a wealth of information on Norse culture, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period in history.
Sons of Vikings: A Legendary History of the Viking Age by David Gray Rodgers and Kurt Noer
In Sons of Vikings, David Gray Rodgers and Kurt Noer tells the history of the Viking age through the lives of some of the most famous Viking warriors. The book begins with a brief overview of the Viking age, discussing the various reasons why the Vikings began their raids on other lands.
It then tells the stories of some of the most famous Viking warriors, including Ragnar Lothbrok, Rollo, and Harald Hardrada. Each warrior is given their own chapter, and readers can learn about their lives, accomplishments, and impact on history.
The book also includes several maps and illustrations, which help to bring the Viking age to life. Overall, Sons of Vikings is a detailed and engaging look at one of the most exciting periods in history.
Vikings: A History of the Northmen Paperback by W. B. Bartlett
Vikings: A History of the Northmen is a comprehensive and well-researched account of the Viking people, their culture, and their history.
Bartlett draws on many sources to provide a detailed picture of Viking life, from their earliest origins in Scandinavia to their ultimate demise in the 11th century.
He covers all aspects of Viking culture, including their religion, customs, and way of life. In addition, he provides a thorough examination of the Viking impact on European history. Bartlett’s book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Vikings and their place in history.
The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada by Don Hollway
Don Hollway’s “The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada” is an excellent work of historical non-fiction. Hollway brings the eleventh century to life, painting a vivid picture of the Viking world and its customs.
He also does an excellent job of chronicling the life and times of King Harald Hardrada, one of the fascinating figures of the Viking age.
Hardrada was a risk-taker and a warrior, but he was also a generous ruler who his people deeply loved. Hollway’s book is generally a must-read for anyone interested in the Viking age or medieval history. It is well-researched, written in an engaging and accessible style, and highly recommended.
The Viking Spirit: An Introduction to Norse Mythology and Religion by Daniel McCoy
Daniel McCoy’s The Viking Spirit offers readers a comprehensive introduction to Norse mythology and religion.
As the title suggests, the focus is on how these ancient belief systems have shaped modern-day Nordic countries. McCoy begins by tracing the origins of Norse mythology and religion before examining the pantheon of gods and goddesses. He also looks at critical episodes from Norse mythology, such as Ragnarok, and discusses the role that these stories continue to play in contemporary culture.
In addition, McCoy examines the Vikings’ unique system of belief, which focused on the concept of honor and the need to uphold one’s own reputation.
Throughout, McCoy provides readers with a clear and concise overview of a complex and often misunderstood topic. As such, it will interest those with prior knowledge of Norse mythology and religion and those coming to it for the first time.
With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to know which Viking history book is right for you. Hopefully, our list has given you some ideas and helped you start your own personal reading list on this fascinating topic. Have you read any of these books? What were your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this list, check out some of our other favorite books!
