"Well illustrated with excellent maps, drawings, and photos, it deserves a place on the bookshelf of any Viking enthusiast." – Current World Archaeology. This compelling endorsement sets the stage for "Vikings at War," a book that transcends its title to offer a comprehensive introduction to the Viking age. As Justin Pollard, Historical Consultant for the television series 'Vikings,' notes, "It's a magnificent piece of work… In short, it’s a book I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in the Viking period and I’m sure I shall be using it on set for Vikings."
"Vikings at War" presents a rich depiction of how the Vikings waged war, detailing their weapons technology, military traditions, and tactics. The book explores their fortifications, ships, and command structure, as well as the raids and conquest campaigns that brought the Vikings to virtually every corner of Europe and even to America. During the 350 years following the introduction of the sail, Viking ships landed on almost every shore in the Western world, from the 9th to the 11th century. Their incursions united the Spanish kingdoms and halted Charlemagne and the Franks' advance in Europe, leaving a lasting impact on both European and Nordic societies.
The Vikings' success lay in their unorthodox and unpredictable strategies, which were difficult for more organized forces to counter. Their basic strategy involved arriving by sea, attacking swiftly and with great force, and then withdrawing quickly. In this militarized society, the warrior class dominated, and honor was paramount. Breaking promises and tarnishing one's posthumous reputation was considered worse than death itself, with blood revenge being the only recourse for offended honor.
Never before have the Viking art of war, weapons, and history of their conquests been presented together in such detail. The book features over 380 color illustrations, including beautiful reconstruction drawings, maps, cross-section drawings of ships, line-drawings of fortifications, battle plan reconstructions, and photos of surviving artifacts such as weapons and jewelry. "Vikings at War" provides a vivid account of one of Europe’s most exciting epochs and was awarded the Norwegian literary prize ‘Saga Prize’ in 2012. Now in its fourth printing in Norwegian, this translation makes it available for the first time in English.