The Vikings

You couldn't ask for a more comprehensive survey of Viking ethnology or one more engaging, or better illustrated. No stone is unturned. The commissioned artworks are spectacular and add a rather profound pictorial (cartoon, one might even say) dimension to the work that is entirely refreshing and original in the field of medieval history (!). From the founding of the Russian state, to the landmark Battle of Hastings to which (among other things) we owe the primacy of the English language, to more run-of-the-mill stuff about simple Scandinavian folk farming and fishing and crafting silver ornaments and amber necklaces, it's all in there--balanced, accurate, and absorbing. Bravo!