An Introduction to: The Vikings

The Viking reputation is of bloodthirsty seafaring warriors, repeatedly plundering the British Isles and the North Atlantic throughout the early Middle Ages. Yet Vikings were also traders, settlers and farmers, with complex artistic and linguistic culture. James Tyrell reveals the Viking world in its entirety: their history, society and culture, and their expansion overseas for trade, colonization, and plunder. Tyrell cuts through the myths to provide new insights into their rune stones, ships and religion. His book takes us to new discoveries in Scandinavia, Iceland and Greenland, while examining contemporary Viking re-enactment groups, Nazi-sponsored excavations, and DNA testing for elusive Viking blood, leading to a fascinating re-appraisal of the meaning of the term 'Viking'.