The Best Books About Vikings

In “Sea Wolves,” Lars Brownworth explores the legendary world of the Vikings and their impact on history. In AD 793, Norse warriors invaded the English isle of Lindisfarne and started a series of raids, conquests, and battles throughout Europe and beyond. The Vikings, known as “sea-wolves,” plundered and colonized much of the British Isles, sacked the continental capitals of Paris and Aachen, and even clashed with the Byzantine Empire in Constantinople.

But there is more to the Vikings than just their reputation for violence and conquest. They were also skilled merchants and explorers who founded Dublin, established a vast trading network, and settled in places like Iceland. They even introduced a form of trial by jury to England and were known for their strong legal system. Brownworth brings these stories to life through the tales of famous Viking figures like Leif the Lucky, who discovered a new world, Ragnar Lodbrok, the scourge of France, Eric Bloodaxe, who ruled in York, and Harald Hardrada, a crafty leader. These and other figures help to shed light on the Viking age, a time that has “grown dark under the cover of night.”

Brownworth is an accomplished author, speaker, and teacher based in Maryland, USA, and is known for his popular and engaging approach to history. His first history podcast, “12 Byzantine Rulers,” was recognized by Apple as one of the “top 50 podcasts that defined their genres,” and he has been featured in the New York Times for his ability to bring history to a wide audience.

In “The Viking Hondbók: Eat, Dress, and Fight Like a Warrior,” Kjersti Egerdahl delves into the complex and captivating world of the Vikings, offering a comprehensive guide to their way of life. The Vikings, known for their skills as craftspeople, merchants, farmers, and seafarers, have inspired numerous pop culture phenomena, including the TV show “Vikings” and the movie “Thor: Ragnarök.” Egerdahl’s book explores the daily life of the Vikings, including their diet, clothing, and combat techniques, as well as their adventures and conquests.

The book also includes historical anecdotes and information about Viking mythology and the afterlife. Egerdahl, an editor and author with a background in music and pop culture, presents this material in an engaging and entertaining way, making it a fun and fascinating read for anyone interested in the Vikings and the Viking Age.

“The Viking Heart” by Arthur Herman is an epic exploration of the history and influence of the Vikings and their descendants. Herman, a New York Times best-selling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist, uses a combination of historical narrative and cutting-edge research to trace the story of these remarkable people from their origins in Scandinavia to their far-reaching conquests and settlements across Europe and beyond. Along the way, Herman highlights the Vikings’ ingenuity, resilience, and commitment to family and community, and shows how their legacy continues to shape the world today.

The Wall Street Journal praised “The Viking Heart” as “an absorbing and humane account” that reminds readers that the Viking world was about “daring to reach for more than the universe had gifted you, no matter the odds and the obstacles.” By exploring the universal meaning of the Scandinavian experience, Herman offers insights into how we can be inspired by the indomitable spirit of the Vikings.

“Norse Paganism” by Monica Roy is a comprehensive guide to the ancient traditions and religious practices of the Norse people. Roy covers a wide range of topics related to Norse paganism, including the pantheon, oral tradition, beliefs, rituals, mythology, and more. She also explores the evolution of Norse paganism and its continued presence in modern times through the Asatru path and other contemporary practices.

In addition to providing detailed information about the Norse religion, Roy also includes a section on Celtic paganism and discusses the principles and characteristics of the Asatru path. With simple and straightforward language, “Norse Paganism” is an accessible and engaging resource for anyone interested in learning about this ancient and enduring religious tradition. Roy is an experienced author and researcher who has dedicated her career to writing about mythology and paganism for both children and adults.

“Children of Ash and Elm” by Neil Price is a groundbreaking history of the Vikings that offers a new perspective on these ancient Scandinavian peoples. Based on the latest archaeological and textual evidence, Price tells the story of the Vikings on their own terms, exploring their politics, cosmology, religion, and material world. Far from being simply marauding raiders, the Vikings were also traders, explorers, and colonists who exported new ideas, technologies, and beliefs to the lands they encountered.

From Eirík Bloodaxe, a warrior who fought his way to a kingdom, to Gudríd Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman in the world, “Children of Ash and Elm” presents a rich and nuanced portrayal of the Vikings and their place in history. The Wall Street Journal called the book “thrilling,” and it is sure to be a fascinating read for anyone interested in the Vikings and their impact on the world.

“The Vikings” by Else Roesdahl is an in-depth study of the Viking Age and the complex civilization of the Vikings. Roesdahl, a Professor Emerita in Medieval Archaeology at the University of Aarhus, Denmark and an expert on Viking studies, challenges the stereotype of the Vikings as wild and barbaric pirates and instead presents a nuanced and rich portrait of their society.

Drawing on the latest research on Viking art, burial customs, class divisions, jewelry, kingship, poetry, and family life, Roesdahl offers a comprehensive overview of the Viking world. She also explores the impact of the Vikings on European history, including their role in the spread of Christianity to Scandinavia and their far-reaching trade, travel, and consolidation. “The Vikings” is an essential resource for anyone interested in this fascinating and influential civilization.

“The Viking Spirit” by Daniel McCoy is a comprehensive introduction to Norse mythology and the Viking religion. As the creator of the popular website “Norse Mythology for Smart People,” McCoy is an expert on this subject and presents the material in a clear, entertaining style that is easy to understand. The book includes retellings of 34 epic Norse myths and provides an overview of the Viking religion, including its gods and goddesses, concept of fate, views on the afterlife, moral code, and more.

In addition to drawing on the latest research, “The Viking Spirit” also includes information on the practice of Viking religion, the role of magic in Viking life, and the structure of the universe according to the Norse. This book is the ultimate resource for anyone interested in exploring the timeless splendor of Norse mythology and religion.

“The Viking World” by James Graham-Campbell is an authoritative and comprehensive account of the Viking Age, covering the period from the ninth to the eleventh centuries when the Vikings dominated much of Western Europe. Graham-Campbell, a Professor of Medieval Archaeology at the University of London and an expert on Viking and late Celtic archaeology, draws on recent archaeological research to provide a detailed picture of the Viking world.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including Viking voyaging, art, burial practices, and daily life, and is richly illustrated with maps, reconstruction drawings, and photographs. This revised and updated edition also includes a chapter on ships, shipwrights, and seamen by Sean McGrail. “The Viking World” is an essential resource for anyone interested in this fascinating period of history and the culture of the Vikings.

“Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings” by Susan Margeson is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the history and culture of the Norse people. Part of the trusted Eyewitness series, the book offers an in-depth look at the Vikings with a unique blend of words and pictures. The book is loaded with stunning color photographs of Viking ships, weapons, clothes, and other artifacts, providing a visual feast for readers of all ages.

With its concise, easy-to-understand text and wealth of images, “Viking: Discover the Story of the Vikings” is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period of history. Whether you are a child or an adult expert, you will find this book a valuable addition to your knowledge of the Vikings.

“The Viking Age” by Angus A. Somerville and R. Andrew McDonald is a comprehensive collection of primary sources that brings the Vikings and their world to life for modern readers. This extensively revised third edition has been reorganized into fifteen chapters and includes new material on gender and warrior women, as well as a final chapter on the continuing cultural influence of the Vikings.

The book covers a wide range of topics and features translations of Norse texts that are straightforward and easily accessible. With its updated maps and expanded use of visual material, “The Viking Age” is an essential resource for students and instructors studying this fascinating period of history. Angus A. Somerville is a retired professor who specialized in Old Norse and Anglo-Saxon, and R. Andrew McDonald is a Professor in the Department of History at Brock University.

In Uncovering Vikings History, author Lucas Russo delves deep into the true story of the Vikings, offering a comprehensive and thoroughly researched account of this fascinating civilization. From their beliefs and daily life, to their notable figures and cultural contributions, this book offers a nuanced and well-rounded understanding of the Vikings beyond their reputation as brutal raiders.

Russo discusses the latest archaeological evidence, including what Vikings really looked like and their diet, as well as their exploration and trade, and the influence of their religion on modern society. Through this book, readers will come to appreciate the Vikings as more than just warriors, and gain a deeper understanding of this complex and captivating culture.

The Age of the Vikings is a comprehensive exploration of the history and legacy of the Vikings, one of the most iconic and misunderstood civilizations in history. Written by esteemed historian Anders Winroth, this book delves into the full range of Viking activity, from their well-known raids and pillaging to their lesser-known pursuits in commerce, politics, exploration, and colonization. Using a wealth of written, visual, and archaeological evidence, Winroth provides a nuanced and balanced view of the Vikings, revealing their complexity as a society and their enduring impact on the world.

He covers the evolution of Viking arts, literature, and religious thought, and offers new insights into their cultural and historical significance. Whether you’re a seasoned scholar or a casual history buff, The Age of the Vikings is a must-read for anyone interested in this fascinating period of history.