DK Eyewitness Books: Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings--Their Ships, Weapons, Legends, and Saga of War

I love this series, Eyewitness Books, made for younger readers. This is another solid entry in this series, focusing on the Vikings. The introductory segment is entitled "Who were the Vikings?" and this provides a good entree to this volume. Key points: Vikings were major players from the 8th through 11th centuries; they set foot on the Americas in 1001 (Leif the Lucky landed on Labrador soil); they ranged as far east as Constantinople; their society was among the closest to any that could be termed "open and democratic" in its day. The next two sections, fittingly enough, focus on the ships of the Vikings, pointing out key characteristics. Then, a series of segments on the warrior Vikings, including their weapons, how they dressed for warfare, and their depredations in the West (including attacking Paris). Vikings traded a great deal, and had networks in the East and West. This book also portrays daily life among Viking communities, including meals, housing, and herds. All in all, another strong work in the series. Younger readers would enjoy this. Even older readers will find much of the material interesting and useful (I still enjoy reading these works).

This book is complete. You will SEE with your own eyes many objects, ships, weapons, tools, clothes, jewelry, ornaments, etc.. which the vikings made with an amazing artistry. In addition, every single picture comes with an explanation, among texts with a perfect narrative of the Viking ERA: such as their costums and way of living, from the way the used to bury their dead to the way they lived life to its fullest.

The quality of this particular series certainly has not suffered with this offering. This work explores the world of the Vikings, their culture, times, influence on the rest of the world and life. Actual photographs of artifacts, wonderful art, photographs of reenactments are all combined with a text that is actually informative and actually interesting. It is well written and easy to understand. It is great to use to start group discussions with. This book is geared for the younger crowd, but I will promise you, that unless you are an expert, you will learn things about the Viking Culture you never knew as you read this one with your young ones. You really cannot go wrong with this work, nor any of the other books in this great series and I do highly recommend it.

You can't find this many pictures in a single book about Vikings for adults that I'm aware. Believe me I've looked. I also appreciate the fact that the book is historically accurate, such as explaining that the horned helmets are myth. I recommend this to both adults and children (I'm 28).

This is an excellent source for basic information about the Vikings. It provides pictures of actual artifacts from the Viking Age, as well as photos of reenactors dressed in period clothing. A very informative book, for children and adults alike!