The Viking-Age Rune-Stones: Custom and Commemoration in Early Medieval Scandinavia

by Birgit Sawyer

This is the first historical study of the whole body of late Viking runic inscription stones in Scandinavia. The 2300 inscriptions yield unexpected information on a wide range of topics, including the conversion of Scandinavia to Christianity, the growth of royal power and, most important of all, the inheritance customs of the period.

300 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2000

Reviews

[Joseph F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book less about understanding the runes, and more about understanding late Viking culture with the help of the runic monuments they left behind. She spends much time on the rights of inheritance, but also touches on Scandinavian social structure and the influence on Christianity.
A large part of this book is really just one big catalog of runic monuments. It's good for researchers.