Vikings

by Frank R. Donovan

At the height of their power in the ninth and tenth centuries, the Vikings seemed invincible – conquering, well-armed warriors whose ships were the ultimate in seafaring technology. From island bases near the deltas of major rivers, they used the waterways to scour the countryside, looting and burning towns, plundering merchant shipments, and stripping churches and monasteries of their gold, silver, and jeweled treasures. The Norsemen eventually penetrated all of England and Scotland, founded cities in Ireland, gained a powerful province in France, controlled Frisia and the modern Netherlands, and raided lands around Spain, passing into the Mediterranean to attack Italy and North Africa. They established the first Russian kingdom, challenged Constantinople, and provided a personal guard for the Byzantine emperor. They settled Iceland, where they developed Europe’s first republic, founded two colonies on Greenland, and explored parts of North America five centuries before Christopher Columbus landed in the Americas. Then, like the abrupt end of a summer thunderstorm, their adventures ceased. Here is their dramatic story.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

154 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1964

Reviews

[B.A. Malisch]

I've been doing some research on Vikings, and as a result, I've been reading different resources related to the topic. I really liked this one. It's easy to read and comprehend, and it hits you with straightforward information, without feeling boring or dry. I used this list to help make a list of ideas and topics that I want to research further.

This focused a lot on the travels, conquering, and spreading of the Vikings and elements of their culture across continents and time. That was great for me, because I've already read two books on Norse mythology and stories of Asgard, as well as a couple of other really brief and general books about the Vikings.

I listened to the audiobook, which was good and engaging.

Book 143 read in 2018

Pages: 109

[Daniel Ray]

Four stars for the content; two for the reader.

[Wes F]

Thoroughly fascinating exploration into the annals of history--around the 8th-11th centuries--centering on the exploits of the feared/fearless peoples from the North, Norsemen, more commonly known as the Vikings. This reading was inspired by the Vikings series from the History Channel that we've been watching, and the desire to learn a bit more background on my ancestors, as I'm half Swedish by heritage. The Vikings went farther & wider than believed, and were responsible for reshaping the history of Europe and the West more than most people know.

[Linda]

Cliff Notes feel like novels in comparison. Hundreds of years of history reduced to under two hours of reading.

[Bruce Cline]

The Vikings, by Frank R. Donovan (audio book). Quite simply, this is an overview of the Vikings in their heyday: the ninth and tenth centuries. It covers in broad outline (and scant) detail the Vikings as they used superior ships, daring, and quests for adventure (and silver, gold, slaves, and goods) to conquer and inhabit lands near and far. Over the centuries when they were dominant they roamed through all of England and Scotland, and established footholds in Ireland, Iceland, North America, Greenland, France, and traveled and fought as far as Spain, Italy, North Africa, and Constantinople. This book, given it’s sparse detail, is a good launching point for further reading and research.

[Betty]

Another audiobook. Since my visit to Iceland, I wanted to learn more about this fierce grip of people who descended on Europe and conquered so many lands. They set out on the sea and founded the first parliament in the world in Iceland, and it is a probability that they were the first to land in North America,

[Lowe Janet]

It was very interesting because it’s the first time I was exposed to some world history in the post Charlemagne era. The Vikings were ruthless… obviously the value of life was not high up on the scale of traits desired by that group. Some of the descriptions of torture were jaw dropping. The bloodthirst was strong in their culture. It was interesting, but not captivating. Hence the 3

[SUSAN FORD]

Interesting if difficult to follow names impossible. Need a list and time of players

Liked detail
Dates hard to follow
Names impossible. Need a glossary of players
Map by dates would be great to follow

[Mark Zodda]

Good, quick and easy read that seems to be up to date with much of the latest info, but doesn't talk at all about the roles women played in fighting and defense like on a recent Nova episode. Not much in depth, but a good primer.

[Andrew]

Just what I needed! Knowing nothing about Viking history, this was a short, quick, easy guide that rewarding to read. Now I know the names and places for further study and research. Exactly what I wanted to know. PS - The Irish gave ‘em a whooping ;)

[Lorraine S McLaughlin]

An easy, interesting read

A good primer in Viking history. Short enough to maintain a general readers interest but long enough to have real substance.

[Bob]

Enjoyable brief Viking history

This is an enjoyable brief history for those wanting to get oriented with this history before delving deeper, or for those with a base knowledge.

[christina m effinger]

This book is a great introduction to the history of vikings. Well written, and very interesting. I highly suggest anyone interested in learning more about vikings, read this book.

[R]

The was a very interesting book. It makes me want to re-read it. I know now why I have the urge to travel. I want to go i-viking.

[Jon Vanderheyden]

Good summary of how they developed, expanded and established their relm. Great insights on their ship building prowess and how it enabled the expansion.

[George Polansky]

A brief history of the Vikings. It is informative and well written.

[Sherrill]

My grandmother used to be so proud that we were descended from the ancient Vikings from Trondheim. Well she probably didn't know the half of it. She didn't know how blood thirsty they were and how they took vengeance on anyone who stood in their way. She didn't know they thought nothing of shoving a live snake down someone's throat or burying someone alive to suffocate. She didn't know how the Irish hated them and the English as well. The sight of them coming like a horde was enough to put fear in everyone's hearts. They were described as filthy and stinking because they didn't like bathing. They were an altogether unsightly crew. Later after they gave up their Viking ways they contributed to settlements in Europe and even some of Asia and mended their fences to become quite likable. I have to laugh though when I remember how Grandma Erickson was so proud of them

[Stephanie]

What a savage group.
The Vikings are the mascot of my sons school so I decided to read this small book when I saw it come across Book Bub. I learned quite a bit, but had to cringe most of the way through. The things they did to other human beings in the name of conquest. Yeeesh! Glad we live in this day in age!

[Tami]

I picked this up because I love watching The Vikings on the history channel. This filled in some blanks for me, but also makes me want to find out more.
The history goes way back in this book, so information was sketchy, but still very interesting.

[Cory Worrell]

nice intro to the history of the history of the Viking Age

The book is the equivalent of watching a documentary on the subject. You get a nice overview and the high points are touched upon but you know their are more details you desperately want.

[Happy Scrappy Hero Pup]

Twenty-five years ago, I borrowed this book from a library in Horry County, South Carolina. I never returned it. It’s that flippin’ good. I’ve been on the lamb, living off the grid for nearly three decades. Just me, my dog, and this book.

[Manuel]

Interesting reading

easy to read and helps to understand the birth of England andFrance. They had more influence than we give them credit

[Martha Kahn]

This was a great book to read as my husband and I traveled through Scandinavia learning about the Vikings.

[GHASSAN NACHAWI]

it is unfortunate that most of what we know about the Vikings is based on what others observed of them, especially since the Vikings had no written record of their own. They raided, pillaged, destroyed, burned, raped and committed untold atrocities but they discovered Iceland, Greenland and North America. There would not be today any Ireland or England or Normandy withouy the influence of the Vikings. In the end, we must thank them for leaving us the wonderful countries and people of Scandinavia.