Further reading

The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings edited by Peter Sawyer (Oxford University Press, 2000 revised edition) paperback £15.03 ($22.50) ISBN: 0192853651
Were the Vikings, as contemporary description had it, a 'valiant, wrathful, foreign, purely pagan people' who swept in from the sea to plunder and slaughter? Or were they unusually successful merchants, extortionists, and pioneer explorers? Archaeological research, from Dublin to Russia, backs up this fully illustrated overview of the history and culture of the Vikings. Includes chapters on their seamanship, religion and the Vikings in history and legend.

The Vikings and their Origins by David Wilson (Thames and Hudson, 1989) paperback £6.95 ISBN: 0500275424
Describes the history and culture of the Vikings, and discusses their influence on European civilisation.

The Viking World by James Graham-Campbell (Frances Lincoln was Windward, 1989, new edition May 2001) paperback £16.99 ISBN: 0711218005
A splendidly illustrated account of the Vikings, their homelands, ships, warfare, trade, arts and crafts, and daily life. A truly lovely book.

Viking Age England by Julian D Richards (Tempus, 2001) paperback £14.99 ISBN: 0752414895
From shortly before 800 AD until the Norman conquest, England was subject to raids from seafaring peoples from Scandinavia – the Vikings. They were not only raiders but also traders and settlers. During this period the English state was unified under a single ruler for the first time and Anglo-Saxon society underwent great changes. Results from major excavations in both the countryside and in towns, such as London, Lincoln and York, mean that it is now possible to reassess the Viking contribution to the history of Late Anglo-Saxon England and to examine the creation of a new mixed Anglo-Scandinavian identity. Dr Julian D Richards is Senior Lecturer in Archaeology at the University of York and Director of the Archaeology Data Service.

A History of the Vikings by Gwyn Jones (Oxford Paperbacks, 1984) paperback £9.99 ISBN: 019285139X
The history of the Viking peoples and kingdoms, from their half-glimpsed origins and legendary prehistory to the triumphs of Canute, is as exciting a story as has ever been told. Professor Jones's classic work incorporates all the latest research.

Viking Age York by Richard Hall (English Heritage/Batsford, 1994) paperback £15.99 out of print but may be found in libraries
A fascinating and significant book on the archaeology and history of Jorvik, or York. Using archaeological evidence from the excavations of the York Archaeological Trust, Richard Hall provides an informed discussion of the city's development, its buildings and people, trade, industry and crafts. Informative, readable and well illustrated throughout – a great all-round book.

Towns in the Viking Age by Helen Clarke and Bjorn Ambrosiani (Leicester University Press, revised edition 1995) paperback £19.99 ISBN: 071851792X
Explores the Vikings' role as the founders of urban centres over much of northern Europe and aspects of urban life from Jorvik to Wexford and considers the contribution of Vikings, as craftsmen and merchants, to urban life. Packed with examples from York and London, and with lovely illustrations.

Women in the Viking Age by Judith Jesch (Boydell, 1994) hardback/paperback £30/£12.95 ISBN: 0851152783/0851153607
What role did women play in the apparently irredeemably male world of the Vikings? Archaeological evidence brings us into close physical contact with Viking-age women, their dress, work and daily life. This pioneering book seeks out the varieties of female experience from admired warriors to sacrificial victims in both Scandinavia and the Viking colonies.

Barbarian Warriors: Saxons, Vikings and Normans by Dan and Susanna Shadrake (Batsford, 1997) hardback £18.95 ISBN: 1857532139
A pictorial review of the dress, arms and armour of the Celtic and Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that succeeded the Romans in Britain. Very well illustrated from archaeological finds and re-enactment societies, with a selection of outstanding plates by Christa Hook.

Scandinavian Scotland by B Crawford (Leicester University Press, 1987) out of print but may be found in libraries
Vikings in Mann by Manx National Heritage (Manx National Heritage, 1997) paperback £4.50 ISBN: 0901106380
A glossy, concise pamphlet on the Vikings on the Isle of Mann. It discusses their arrival in Europe; everyday life; tools and weapons; clothes and jewellery; ships; trade; beliefs and myths; stone carvings and their legacy on the island.

Viking Scotland by Anna Ritchie (Historic Scotland/Batsford, 1993) paperback £15.99 ISBN: 0713472251
The story of the Vikings in Scotland, told through the archaeological, historical and literary evidence. Includes a guide on what can still be seen today.

Orkney by Anna Ritchie (Mercat Press, 1996) paperback £12.99. ISBN: 0114952884
A chronological survey of the island. It describes Viking brochs and houses, Pictish gravestones and medieval houses, castles and churches with plenty of photographs and directions.

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