Vikings (Great Civilizations)

Ladybird history books are social history at it's best, from; I would estimate ages 8 to 14 for school use of simply to enjoy. They bring history alive for children, and are filled with fascinating information. As well as bringing alive an animated, exciting past, they also show how events of the past, are with us today, in so many fascinating ways.The Vikings, by Brenda Ralph Lewis, describes the life and times of these fierce lords of the sea and raiders from northern Europe. It describes what life was like for the Vikings and the peoples of Europe whom they traded with, terrorized, and later settled among. With the aid of beautiful illustrations by Ronald Jackson, this book covers their raids on Europe and how their victims looked upon the Vikings reeked havoc on many lands, and how they where feared by the people in the places where they raided.And how the Vikings where shaped by the cold and harsh climates in which they lived. Their farming, hunting and their general way of life and justice system, their ingenuity in building ships and seafaring, are just a few of the interesting aspects of Viking life covered. There are also interesting anecdotes such as the story of how a brave Viking women by the name of Freydis, saved her people in the Viking colony of Vinland in Newfoundland, from an attack by native tribesman called Skraelings. Aside from the terror they inspired the Vikings contributed much to civilization today, including setting up the Althing or general assembly in Iceland, which has been described as the oldest parliament in Europe. Also how the Vikings have left traces of their heritage in modern European towns and languages, as well as in the people who live in them. Whetting the appetite of children to know about their own heritage: " If you are tall, have blonde hair and blue eyes, and live in eastern or northeastern England, then you could be a descendant of the Vikings."These books are a wonderful way to introduce children to a love of history.