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The Vikings

From Odin to Christ

Martyn Whittock author Hannah Whittock author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:SPCK Publishing

Published:22nd Jun '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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The Vikings cover

From rape and pillage to exploration and piety - the whole story of the Vikings

From rape and pillage to exploration and piety - the whole story of the Vikings

The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. But the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built.

So how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today? This book takes a "global" look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

"This is a stimulating and accessible approach to the Viking Age. Focusing on Vikings as Christian rulers and their followers opens up the question of just what we mean when we think of 'Vikings'. Violent barbarians of legend have their place in this book but the authors look deeper at what it meant to live and prosper in early medieval societies, taking the 'end' of the Viking Age beyond where it is often assumed to be and ensuring that the story is told in terms which make it a truly international one." Dr Ryan Lavelle, Reader in Early Medieval History, University of Winchester

ISBN: 9780745980188

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

288 pages

New edition