Between the eighth and eleventh centuries; the Vikings surged from their Scandinavian homeland to trade and raid along the coasts of Europe. Their influence extended from Newfoundland to Baghdad; their battles were as far-flung as Africa and the Arctic. But were they great seafarers or desperate outcasts; noble heathens or oafish pirates; the last pagans or the first of the modern Europeans? This concise study puts medieval chronicles; Norse sagas and Muslim accounts alongside more recent research into ritual magic; genetic profiling and climatology. It includes biographical sketches of some of the most famous Vikings; from Erik Bloodaxe to Saint Olaf; from King Canute to Leif the Lucky. Extending beyond the traditional ‘Viking age' of most books; A Brief History of the Vikings also places sudden Scandinavian population movements in a wider historical context. It presents a balanced appraisal of these infamous sea kings; explaining both their swift expansion and its supposed halt. Supposed because the Vikings never really went away. Instead; posits Clements; they became a part of who we are today.
#2078084 in Books 2015-01-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.80 x .90 x 6.00l; .0 #File Name: 0786478217264 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Commodore of Thinking Out of the BoxBy John Paul Jones (jjones@richmond.edu)This is an excellent and comprehensive biography; exhaustively researched and thoughtfully organized. John Grady paints a word picture revealing the many facets of the nineteenth century American naval officer known as the Pathfinder of the Seas. History is replete with figures noteworthy for the vision and energy with which they pursued one big idea; but only a few; like Matthew Fontaine Maury; pursued so many big ideas. He is best known for his systematic survey and analysis of information from mariners about the weather and sea conditions encountered on ocean voyages. He turned his findings into sailing instructions so useful to ocean commerce as to make him the darling of those so engaged around the world. He was far ahead of his time in suggesting that the telegraph made possible timely forecasts with similar benefits to farmers and the business of agriculture. During the Civil War; he first directed neutral Virginia’s naval operations and then; when the government of the Confederacy came to Virginia; competed for control of the larger effort. He was an early champion of torpedoes (as explosive mines were then called). He led the rebel faction that favored a defensive strategy of mine fields and gunboats in home waters; as opposed to cruisers marauding Union shipping worldwide. In defeat; few secessionists proved as revanchist. Supremely sure of himself; Maury made many friends in high places; including presidents and emperors; but just as many enemies equally influential. Throughout his life; he made things worse by sniping in print; resorting more often than successfully to the thin disguise of a pen name. Indeed; Maury’s grudges seriously limited his effectiveness. They leave him ripe for a tragic opera devoted to hubris and jealousy.
