Scandinavia Books

The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas)

John Haywood

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent Resource 4 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This handy sized book (10" x 6.5" x .5ish") makes a great general resource of information related to the Vikings and their period of history. As one who finds history easier to comprehend when plentiful maps are handy, I find the historical atlas a wonderful class of book in general. The Penguin historical atlases are smaller than many I have, which makes them a bit more convenient to use. The maps in this atlas are easy to understand and do help shed light on the activities and movements of the Vikings.

I did find the approach to the text in this book a bit redundant, but this seems to have been an intentional choice on the part of the author, who presents a block of information prior to the maps in a given section of the book, and then re-covers this material in the text accompanying each map at essentially the same level of detail. I'm not sure I would have done it this way, but, as I use the atlas more, perhaps this format will grow on me.

All in all a very useful and well produced resource. Many thanks to all those involved in researching and producing it.

Editorial Review:

Viking marauders in their longships burst through the defenses of 9th-century Europe, striking terror into the hearts of monks, peasants, and rulers. But the Vikings were more than seaborne terrorists. This atlas shows their development as traders and craftsmen, explorers, settlers, and mercenaries, and follows the routes of Viking merchants from Constantinople to the new world. Full color.

The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman

Nancy Marie Brown

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Subjects -> Biographies & Memoirs -> Historical -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. She landed in the New World and lived there for three years, giving birth to a baby before sailing home. Or so the Icelandic sagas say. Even after archaeologists found a Viking longhouse in Newfoundland, no one believed that the details of Gudrid’s story were true. Then, in 2001, a team of scientists discovered what may have been this pioneering woman’s last house, buried under a hay field in Iceland, just where the sagas suggested it could be.

Joining scientists experimenting with cutting-edge technology and the latest archaeological techniques, and tracing Gudrid’s steps on land and in the sagas, Nancy Marie Brown reconstructs a life that spanned—and expanded—the bounds of the then-known world. She also sheds new light on the society that gave rise to a woman even more extraordinary than legend has painted her and illuminates the reasons for its collapse.

A Frozen Hell: The Russo-Finnish Winter War of 1939-1940

William Trotter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best Book on Winter War in english 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

My mother was evacuated from Karelia at the age of 15 years and my father fought in the Winter War. My Finnish parents emigrated to South Africa and I was born here. Therefore my dominant language is english and my sons speak no Finnish. This is a wonderful book to pass on this story to my english speaking children. It is easy to understand and interesting to read. It reads like an entertaining novel. I also hope that it can bring this story and the case for the return of Karelia to the wider world.

Waiting for a New Account of the War 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

A good read but badly needs a post-Cold War update. This book is about a conflict between Russia and Finland, but the only Russian source listed in the "Notes on the Sources" (there is no bibliography) is the English translation of the memoirs of Khruschev, who didn't even participate in the Winter War. Other than a few short, atmospheric accounts by Russian soldiers taken from earlier English or Finnish books, no other Russian source is cited, leaving us almost wholly dependent on Finnish historians and the memoirs of Finnish commanders. This is not a scholarly approach.
Maybe there just weren't any other Russian sources available; or maybe they were only available in Russian (which the author does not know, although he is rightly proud of having mastered Finnish). All that may have been a tolerable excuse in 1991 (when this book came out), but the Russian state archives are now open to all, and certainly much more material has been translated into English in the past 16 years. At the very least, Trotter could speak to some Russians. He found Finnish veterans to interview, and I bet some of their Russian counterparts can also still be found among the WWII veterans who totter around public parks in Russia every May 9.
But to find, you have to look, and what's disappointing is that I have no sense the author feels any need to seek out more significant sources from the other side.

Editorial Review:

In 1939, tiny Finland waged war--the kind of war that spawns legends--against the mighty Soviet Union, and yet their epic struggle has been largely ignored. Guerrillas on skis, heroic single-handed attacks on tanks, unfathomable endurance, and the charismatic leadership of one of this century's true military geniuses--these are the elements of both the Finnish victory and a gripping tale of war.

The Vikings: Revised Edition

Else Roesdahl

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Let's go a Viking 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book covers just about everything about the vikings from their language, art, religion, government, ships, clothing, expiditions all over Europe, weapons and warfare, homes and other aspects of these northern people. The author opens up your eyes to the fact that the vikings were civilized just as much as other people in those times which helps give you a new respect for these people. It's just amazing how these people went all over Europe, the Middle East and all the way to North America centuries before Christopher Columbus and spread their culture and in turn took apsects from other cultures back to Scandinavia.

There are maps which shows where the vikings travelled and there are a bunch of pictures of weapons, ships, burial mounds, artwork and rune stones. There are also two rune alphabets that they used for writing.

Some things I didn't like was that some of the subjects were rushed through and not too informative as they could have been like very little is mentioned about the military aspects of the vikings like offensive and defensive tactics whether it be about a king's army or raiding pirates. They also don't mention that much about the vikings in North America or the Middle East which I found to be very disappointing to say the least. I guess that there was so much to cover that the author couldn't fit everything in.

Overall this is a good introductory book about the vikings at a very low price. So if you want to read about the true vikings and not stereotypes about vikings being mindless, dirty heathen killers wearing horned helmets then you should get this book.

Editorial Review:

Far from being just 'wild, barbaric, axe-wielding pirates', the Vikings created complex social institutions, oversaw the coming of Christianity to Scandinavia and made a major impact on European history through trade, travel and far-flung consolidation. This encyclopedic study brings together the latest research on Viking art, burial customs, class divisions, jewellery, kingship, poetry and family life. The result is a rich and compelling picture of an extraordinary civilisation.

On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-being

Julie Catterson Lindahl

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Subjects -> History -> Europe -> Scandinavia

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

10 stars and one of my top favorite books..... 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

This has become one of my top favorite 5 books because of the wisdom the author shares. Everything from simply living spaces, simple food, the outdoors, being content with less and more observant about the world around us. Call it Scandinavian zen or simply wise living.

The author hits the nail on the head when she shares how our choices can make our lives better and that these choices often have to do with being still and observant and not allowing big business or hurried people to sway us from taking the path less traveled.

Its a book that I read and then set down, then pick up and read some more, and set down. I savor the lessons I have learned from the book and have recommended it to simple living group friends who like myself try and live a self sufficient lifestyle void of so many of the 'must haves' that American society pushes.

Living here in the Sierras I also appreciated the authors wonderful stories about what the outdoors offers. Be it walking for fitness, or enjoying the fresh fish and vegetables it offers.

So much to be learned from the author and cannot recommend the book highly enough.

Editorial Review:

An exploration of the integral relationship between nature and personal development and how this manifests itself in the Scandinavian lifestyle-from outdoor life and relaxation to design, cuisine, gardening, and herbalism.

On my Swedish Island is a rich collection of ideas about how we can improve our quality of life with a fresh philosophy that is Nordic-inspired, but can be used in any climate.

Part memoir and part self-help book, On My Swedish Island combines the story of the author's transformation from urban jetsetter to wife and mother living on a small Swedish island with practical suggestions for living a simpler, more fulfilling existence.

A History of the Vikings

Gwyn Jones

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"An utterly splendid book, quite the most brilliantly written, balanced, and explanative general work on the Vikings ever to appear in English or in any language."-- Scandinavian Studies
The subject of this book is the Viking realms, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, their civilization and culture, and their many sided achievements at home and abroad.
A highly readable narrative follows the development of these Northern peoples--the Nordmenn--from their origins and the legendary pre-history to the military triumphs of Canute and the defeat of Harald Hardradi at Stamford Bridge in 1066, which symbolically ended the Viking age.
The book recounts the Vikings' exploits in war, trade, and colonization: the assault on Western Christendom; the trading and military ventures to the Slav and Muslim worlds and to Byzantium; and the western voyages of discovery and settlement to Greenland, Iceland, and America.
Numerous photographs, maps, and drawings contribute to Gwyn Jones's rounded portrait of Viking civilization and vividly evoke the importance in their culture of religion, art, and seafaring.

From Asgard to Valhalla: The Remarkable History of the Norse Myths

Heather O'Donoghue

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A Pleasure to Read 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 14 people found this review helpful.

O'Donoghue's books is a wonderful guide to the history/lore of Northern Mythology. Whether this is your chosen path, or whether you'r simply interested in this branch of mythology, Heather works with the sources and, though expressly not a believer, she makes it coherent and interesting and understandable without being simplistic or just another New Age book. This is clearly an academic book in the hands of someone who makes it into the interestesting and unique stories that constitute Norse mythology. Other than her one line that no one worships or believes in these guides any longer (not true, O'Donoghue!), this is an exceptional work, as an introduction or for those well-versed.

Editorial Review:

This is the first book to show how the Norse myths have resonated from era to era: from Viking-age stories of ice and fire to the epic poetry of Beowulf; and from Wagner's Ring to Marvel Comics' Mighty Thor. Heather O'Donoghue considers the wider contexts of Norse mythology, including its origins, medieval expression and reception in post-medieval societies right up to the present. From Asgard to Valhalla is a book that will intrigue and delight anyone with an interest in how the Norse myths have so profoundly shaped the western cultural heritage.

Finland at War 1939 - 45 (Elite)

Philip Jowett

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent Addition to Elite Series 5 out of 5 stars.
18 of 19 people found this review helpful.

Finland at War 1939-45, # 141 in Osprey's Elite series, is an excellent introduction to the role of the Finnish Army in the Second World War. Authors Philip Jowett and Brent Snodgrass demonstrate a firm grip of this subject and provide a wealth of useful and hard-to-find information on the Finns. This volume belongs on the bookshelves of anyone seriously interested in the Eastern Front.

The opening section spends about 12 pages outlining the chronology of the three wars that Finland fought in the period 1939-45; the 1939-40 Winter War and 1941-44 Continuation War against the Soviet Union and the 1944-45 Lapland War against the Germans. However the chronology section actually has a fair amount of detail and provides a good introduction to the subject. The heart of the volume lies in the 25-page section which discusses the organization of the Finnish army, covering all the major branches as well as paramilitary formations such as the Civil Guard and Foreign Volunteers. A brief section discusses tactics, including the use of "motti" encirclement attacks and snipers. A final section discusses weapons, including small arms, machineguns, anti-tank weapons and artillery (unfortunately, mortars were omitted). Overall, there is a wealth of information in this thin volume and it is one of the better of Osprey's Elite titles.

Eight pages of color plates by artist Raffaele Ruggeri depict the Finnish military and para-military forces from 1939-45. The photographs in the volume are also very good and most have not been printed in English-language books before. Perhaps the only area that gets a bit skimped on is in the areas of training and higher staff functions at corps-level, but this is understandable given the size restraints. Overall, a superb volume.

Editorial Review:

Finland's fight to defend her independence earned this tiny nation of just 3 million people a distinct place in history. Invaded by Stalin before World War II, Finland held out for months and inflicted huge losses on the invaders, but she was eventually crushed by the weight of Soviet numbers. When Germany invaded the USSR in 1941 the Finns fought alongside the Wehrmacht on the northern Russian Front, with great skill and courage in an attempt to regain their lost territories. When the German armies were forced to retreat in 1944, Finland managed to conclude a separate peace with the USSR – uniquely, without being forced to accept renewed Russian occupation. This book details the organisation, uniforms and equipment of this remarkable force.

Report From #24 (No. 24)

Gunnar Sonsteby

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

report from 24 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 15 people found this review helpful.

REPORT FROM # 24 THIS IS A GREAT BOOK TO READ WHEN GOING TO BED .. YOU COULD BE DREAMING ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE MILORG WITH GUNNAR. YOU THINK JAMES BOND IS EXCITING, WELL, YOU HAVEN'T READ GUNNAR'S BOOK. WHY WATCH TV? YOU HAVE THIS BOOK TO READ.

Starts Out Slow, but Finally Picks Up 3 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

Sonsteby was obviously one of the unsung heroes of the war. His work with the resistance was essential in keeping the Germans looking over their shoulders for the next incident. But, the book seemed to ramble for much of the first half of the story. I found it hard to keep up with the details, and often had to look back in earlier chapters to get myself re-oriented. The later chapters were much easier to follow. It was a quick and interesting read, but there are better books available on this topic.

I'd highly recommend Blood and Water (by Dan Kurzman) if you are interested in a related story of the resistance in Norway.

Editorial Review:

Gunnar Sonsteby is the most highly decorated hero of the Norwegian resistance during the German occupation in the years 1940 through 1945.

His story is more enthralling than a spy thriller. His daring acts of espionage and sabotage against the Nazis made him famous throughout Norway. Despite the price on his head, Sonsteby managed to elude capture through daring, intuition, and constantly changing identities,

In addition to being awarded the Norwegian War Cross, Gunnar Sonsteby was decorated by both the British and United States governments for his outstanding service.

He tells his story in Report From #24--a book which is now published in six languages and has been a #1 best-seller in Norway for two years.

Vikings : The North Atlantic Saga

William W. Fitzhugh

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Subjects -> History -> Australia & Oceania -> Polar Regions

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In the early Middle Ages, driven by famine at home and the promise of wealth to be had in other lands, the Viking people exploded out of Scandinavia and set about conquering parts of England, Ireland, France, Russia, and even Turkey. Emboldened by their successes, the Vikings pushed ever farther outward, eventually crossing the North Atlantic and founding settlements in Iceland, Greenland, and eastern Canada.

In The Vikings: The North Atlantic Saga, some three dozen scholars examine the growing archaeological evidence of the Viking presence in the New World--including such items as a Norse coin excavated in Maine, runic stones from the Canadian Arctic, and farming implements found in Newfoundland. The contributors consider the sometimes friendly, sometimes warlike history of Viking interactions with the native peoples of northeastern North America (whom the Norse called skraelings, or "screamers"); compare the archaeological record with contemporary sagas and other records of exploration; and argue for the need to better document the Viking contribution to New World history.

"As an historical and cultural achievement," write the editors, "the Viking Age and its North American medieval extension stand out as one of the most remarkable periods in human history." This oversized, heavily illustrated volume celebrates that little-understood time. --Gregory McNamee