Suche books:   





The Vikings (Elite)
Ian Heath

Osprey Publishing, 1985 - 64 pages

average customer review:based on 7 reviews
view larger image
 for more information click here

   highly recommended  highly recommended





Good For Its Brevity.

As always Angus McBride's color plates are as lifelike as can be. Especially, plates A,E,F, & G. These elite series are more in depth than the usual armor, weapons, & uniforms. The text is more varied. From their origins in the eigth century to all their adventures from all compass points, we get little gems of information. A refreshingly wide range of sources are used. Norse sagas, English, Arab, Byzantine, Frankish, & Irish chronicles. Most areas are touched on to varying degrees. From their tactics, well known campaigns, & the Varangian guard to the less known "Jomsvikings." The latter being independent, strictly run mercenary companies.

Also, some interesting anecdotes: Did you know that dark hair was much more common among the Danes than the Swedes & Norwegians? That certainly would explain the physical appearance of the Normans on the Bayeux Tapestry. If it had a dozen more pages I would have given it five stars. For 63 pages it was well worth the price.


 for more information click here


Beautiful Angus McBride plates

This is by far the best book on the Vikings from a military perspective, Osprey or otherwise. The text is concise and is both exciting and informative. The plates depict the Viking warriors as well as their enemies and their women with lifelike expressions and poses, and include several spirited battlescenes.









 for more information click here


Imagine the terror of seeing these guys arrive in your town

Like other books in the Osprey Elite series, this one held my interest throughout. Therefore I finished it very quickly. The illustrations help me visualize what real life Vikings must have looked like.

The description of the Viking rite of "carving-the-blood-eagle" was something that I had never read anywhere before. Imagine the terror of seeing these guys arriving from over the horizon ca. 950 A.D.


 for more information click here






A great overview of the Viking period!

I have always been a big fan of the Osprey series books, and a fan of Angus MacBride's work.
This book is a good overview of the evolving nature of Viking warfare, from the first raids on the British isles, to the end of the Viking period.
Included is a useful collection of photos of Viking weapons, armour annd other artifacts. But for me, the star of the show was the colour plates, what amazing work! MacBride gives us a diversity of glimpses, such as Viking home-life, building a long ship, the aftermath of a raid, and a great sea-battle, and the end of the Norse adventure in North America.
This is a great book for anyone interested in the Viking period!


 for more information click here


Excellent!

One of the best books I have seen on the Vikings. The Text does a brief but good & concise job about the history of the Norsemen. That & the illustrations of these barbarian slavers is 1st rate and worth the price alone.
Well done to all hands involved!


reviews: page 1, 2



In this worthy addition to the Elite series, Ian Heath transports us to the time of the Vikings examining their epic journeys and the ships they made them in, their methods of warfare - the organisation of their armies and tactics employed, their appearance and equipment and the general history of these fascinating warrior-explorers. His authoritative text is backed by many fine illustrations and photographs including 12 stunning full colour plates by Angus McBride, one of the world's most respected military artists.


 for more information click here



hot or not?    What's your opinion?     Write a review and share your thoughts!



recommendations

Understanding the Icelandic and Norse Sagas
Old Norse technology and daily life
Osprey Elite series, Vols.1-25
Armies of medieval Europe
Ancient Warriors 2




vikings

A Man on the Moon: The Voyages of the Apollo Astronauts
Out to Canaan (The Mitford Years, Book 4)
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build ...
Llama, Llama Red Pajama
Ordinary Princess



search for books
elite, vikings


Impressum / about us


Suche books: