Vicious Vikings

Horrible Histories #9

by Terry Deary

All the foul facts about the Vicious Vikings are ready to uncover, including including Viking Gods in wedding dresses, corpses on trial and Death by booby-trapped statues. Refreshed with a fantastic new design for 2016, these bestselling titles are sure to be a huge hit with yet another generation of Terry Deary fans. It's all about History with all the nasty bits left in! This book is perfect for all young history fanatics. This book has 140 pages and measures: 19.8 x 12.9 x 1cm

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Humor, Historical, Comedy, Education

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

A former actor, theatre-director and drama teacher, Deary says he began writing when he was 29. Most famously, he is one of the authors of the Horrible Histories series of books popular among children for their disgusting details, gory information and humorous pictures and among adults for getting children interested in history. Books in the series have been widely translated into other languages and imitated.

A cartoon series has been made of the series of books and was shown on CiTV for a period in 2002.

The first series of a live-action comedy sketch show of the same name was shown on CBBC in 2009 and a second series is due.

Terry is also known widely throughout children and adult reading groups alike for his True Stories series (see below for series list).

He received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the University of Sunderland in 2000. His numerous accolades also include the Blue Peter "Best Nonfiction Author of the Century" Award in the U.K.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Lucija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably my 3rd time re-reading this book. I love the whole Horrible Histories series (that is a series, right?). This book is so funny and entertaining, a fast read, and you can also learn a lot.

[Ayse_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry Deary's books are for children 8-12 and learners of English. His career in theatre and arts reflects on his style. The large print size makes it very easy to read, each page will add a few words to the learner's vocabulary. This book is a part of the history series. Its a fun read for any age.

[Ehsan'Shokraie' · Rating 3 out of 5]

خواندن سری تاریخ ترسناک مرا به گذشته می برد،به روز های خوش کودکی..آن زمان که جلد مشکی کتاب نور های ترسناک را در دست داشتم،در ظهری تابستانی به خواندن آن در خانه ای می پرداختم که اکنون ماه هاست نتوانسته ام به دیدنش بروم..

[Anisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

قشنگ بود ولی خب نسبت به بقیه جلدهای مجموعه اون قدر کامل نبود. خیلی نامنظم شده بود و میتونست اطلاعات بیشتری رو داخلش قرار بده.

[Tahmineh Dehbozorgi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it! Tearry Deary is one awesome and genius author.
I have watched the series "Vikings" and from there I became curious about north European history so from there I decided to read this one and I literally recommend this book to anyone who wants to know about Vikings history since it includes true information about their history and their culture and lifestyle.
I also recommend this book to history teachers for it is an awesome book to be read as a class project.

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again another top read.

[Miku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powracam do serii, która była jedną z moich ulubionych w czasach dzieciństwa i skutecznie zaraziła mnie zainteresowaniem historią. W tej pozycji skupiamy się na wikingach. Wszystkie informacje przedstawione są w bardzo przyciągający sposób i człowiek z chęcią zagłębia się w te ciekawostki. Do tego mamy sporą dawkę humoru, takiego czarnego pomieszanego z angielskim, który jest dość specyficzny, więc nie trafi on w każde gusta. Wisienką na torcie jest cała masa obrazków, które na pewno pobudzą wyobraźnię u młodszych czytelników.

[Nashelito · Rating 5 out of 5]

Я побачив книгу "Нахабні вікінги. Моторошна історія" випадково у Закапелку і рука здригнулася. Тобто навпаки — не здригнулася купити. Бо хоч книга очевидно писана для дітей, але навіть я (знаний у вузьких колах поціновувач вікінгів) дізнався з неї чимало нового і цікавого. А чорний-пречорний гумор, з яким розповідаються легенди, міфи, байки та факти з історії вікінгів заслуговує на окрему відзнаку.

Ця невеличка ілюстрована книжечка з м'якою вирвиокообкладинкою здатна за один довгий вечір познайомити читача з більшістю того, що варто знати про вікінгів, а саме:

— історичною хронікою подій: від появи перших дракарів біля берегів Англії до її захоплення Вільгельмом Завойовником;
— з легендами та міфами (вибраними);
— купою способів убивства, якими полюбляли користуватися як вікінги, так і їхні суперники сакси;
— медициною тих часів;
— технологією будівництва дракарів;
— силою скандинавської поезії;
— найвідомішими поразками;
— як живуть та думають вікінги;
— іменами та прізвиськами;
— рунічним письмом;
— як милися вікінги;
— у що вдягалися;
— як велося вікінгам-жінкам;
— як вони розважалися;
— що їли;
— і пили;
— як напивалися;
— про саксів, з якими вікінги найчастіше воювали;
— законами і судочинством.

Насамкінець можна перевірити свої знання (ті, що були раніше і щойно набуті) і мушу зізнатися, легко мені було лише з кеннінґами та прізвиськами. Відповіді на більшість інших запитань стали для мене, ха-ха, ха-ха, хелп, сюрпризом.

Книжечка щедро і дуже дотепно ілюстрована, читається на одному диханні і показана школярам, які вивчають історію, а також всім, хто любить скандинавську міфологію, літературний цикл "Саксонські хроніки" Бернарда Корнуела, серіали "Вікінги" та "Останнє королівство".

Skäl! 🍯

[Pamela (Here to Read Books and Chew Gum) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My partner has been watching The History Channel's 'Vikings' and I wanted something quick, easy and fun to read to get me in the mood. I absolutely loved the Horrible Histories series when I was a kid, so thought I might revisit them for a bit of fun.

I'm not sure if 'Vicious Vikings' was a particularly lacklustre installment, or if growing up and becoming an historian has affected my enjoyment of this series, but it just didn't have the fun I remember the series having as a child. I found some elements to be rather condescending to its younger readership, and it really lacked clarity as to whether it was covering British or Viking history at any given time. Most of the focus lacked 'history' and instead revolved mainly around folk tales and mythology, while its history seemed to focus mainly about the Viking incursions to Britain rather than actual Viking history with very little context. I know it's written for younger readers who haven't yet achieved the level of education that I have, but how can a child share a fun fact they've learned without a context in which to place it? It was written in a way, that if I'd read this particular book as a child I would have constantly just kept asking 'why'?

It's not all bad however. There were some fun facts, like the realisation that while the Vikings never directly conquered Britain permanently, they did conquer indirectly through the Norman William the Conqueror. It was also interesting to realise that the names we ascribe to historical Vikings are descriptors applied to them by later story tellers rather than what they would have been known as in their own circles.

'Vicious Vikings' was a fun distraction, but not really a great outline of Viking history. I read it in just over an hour and had fun, so I guess it achieved it's goal. I would however like to do more research and find out just how accurate it is...

[Guguk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tadinya aku ngarep buku ini nyeritain kejamnya 'kejayaan' Vikings di mana-mana, tapi ternyata hanya berpusat di Inggris, dan jadinya ada beberapa yang sudah tercantum juga di Smashing Saxons (^ ^;)>

Pas dibilang bahwa kesadisan Viking mungkin ga ada apa-apanya dibanding bangsa Saxon, ini kerasa lucu juga.., apalagi pengarangnya juga suka main sarcasm (^皿^)

Jadi keinget petualangan Gulliver di Laputa~ sejarah dan tokoh sejarah memang ga persis seperti bayangan kita yang hidup di jaman yang jauh berbeda.
Atau bisa dibilang, sesadis-sadisnya [stereotip] orang Viking, mereka juga manusia 'biasa'... (o´▽`o) *jadikeingetVinlandSaga*

[Barbi Faye (The Book Fae) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute short illustrated read, meant to give a little haha while giving the real and honest facts that occurred during the memorable era of the Vikings. The era was of such note, duh, we are still talking about it today. And, it is so popular, we are making popular series on TV, a scripted series on the 'History' channel aptly named, "Vikings". I am a huge fan of it which is why I picked this book up; to see if there was anything familiar, anything the same. The gods were, and a few kings, and Athelstan, and the first attack on a monastery. Some names like Bjorn, Knut, Thora. I knew also that the English, and Europeans as well, were just as nasty ass, and were in a lot of cases more vicious and bloodthirsty than the Vikings. So, don't judge, if you lived back then it could get you killed.
But I liked this cute bookie, it was good. I have a new found interest now; I LOVE VIKINGS!

[Mayke de Hoog · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fast read with lots and lots of information! Very interesting if you are into history and would like to know some Viking fun facts! I quite enjoyed the illustrations and quizzes, I will say though that it was sometimes a bit too much to comprehend for me. A lot was happening on the pages because of the quizzes, information and illustrations.

All and all, I enjoyed it and laughed quite a bit at the amusing story telling.

[Maraya21 (The Reading Dragon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book, in Greek, back in 2000 but i didn't remember i had up until now, 17 years later (January 2017), when i found the book while cleaning and re-arranging my selves.

Unfortunately there was no entry for my edition, Greek one, so i just added it - my very first book entry, yeah me! :D

Will definitely re-read soon and move on to the rest of the series!

[Jorge Rosas · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much Vicious Viking knowledge! There’s a lot of things that got explained in this little book, thanks to this book I now know that the JRR Tolkien Dwarves are Vikings in disguise and therefore the Terry Pratchett Dwarf Bread was more authentic that I never suspected. The Normans were actually Vikings, thus the Viking Rule over Britain was more enduring that I ever suspected, And as the book says the Vikings were a people of their times and any other culture was equally gruesome, their achievements went from discovering America, Iceland, Greenland and having presence from Canada to Russia to the Arab World, many and more fascinating facts are here waiting to be discovered.

[Lee D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this out the library for my boy, but when he lost interest, I carried on until the end anyway. Used to love this series when I was younger and it's great for the younger audience / to get children into interesting topics, but I felt like it was too many jokes and not enough facts. I wanted to learn more than I did!

[Rhonda Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really fun and hilarious read. I found a few things to be slightly inaccurate (as someone who reads a LOT of Viking history), and there was a big section in the middle focused on the Saxons, which, although funny too, wasn't Vicious Vikings. Overall, it was highly entertaining, though.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicking off a Viking Unit Study with my eldest.
Whenever we start a new history unit, if there is a Horrible Histories to be read, then we read that FIRST!!

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very funny book, with the random weird story of the relationship between the early Vikings and the English people.

I learned a lot with this book; highly recommend

[Michael Just · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down best book to read when you are sick and need something to occupy the time between sleeping.

[Seve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already know a lot about the vikings, because I live in a nordic country.But I still learned a lot about the vikings, now I am an expert.

[Dane Cobain · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve read my other Horrible Histories reviews, you’ve probably noticed a recurring theme – I always say that the books are good, but not as good as The Vicious Vikings. Well, The Vicious Vikings is finally here, and let me let you in to a little secret – it’s awesome.

And the best part of it is, you don’t need to be a history geek to enjoy reading it – hell, you don’t even need to be a kid! The Vikings were a fascinating race, and Deary tells their story with obvious passion – it’s a passion that’s contagious, and Martin Brown‘s fantastic illustrations help to complete this children’s masterpiece.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child history was one of my favourite school subjects thus making Horrible Histories the perfect books for me.

Nowadays children have the television series yet I belong to the older group that had the books. Personally, I believe any child who has an interest in history should give these books a go. They’re truly gripping and so many topics are covered.

Honestly, Horrible Histories are well worth a read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not a fan of reading history books intended for adults, then the Horrible Histories series is the perfect way to learn. It has a great sense of humor and keeps history entertaining. I discovered this series at the British Museum in London and have been addicted ever since!

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, really brings this time period to life. I do enjoy how he compares the actions of the savage vikings to the englanders of the time. It really makes it clear that you must put things into perspective when learning things.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Vicious Vikings by Terry Deary
The book I chose to read and review is called Vicious Vikings and it was written by Terry Deary in 1994 as part of the Horrible Histories series which was written with the intent of being an entertaining way of educating children about History.

This book is about the Vikings and it references the British Isles, Iceland, Denmark, the rest of Scandinavia and Rome. It links to religious education as there are many references to religion in the time of the Vikings throughout this book.

This book ends with a quiz to test how much you can remember after reading the book. I would recommend this book as it is a very entertaining way to learn about History. It uses many different techniques that make it very exciting to read, as throughout the book there are: comics, quizzes, news reports, diary entries, timelines and a variety of other formats. There are also many parts of this book that are hilarious which assists learning and later recalling of facts.

I think this book is a reasonably accurate source to educate young people about history, but due to the time of the Vikings being so long ago we have limited records from the era, and at that time very few people were literate in England so we can only hear from that time from very limited accounts which are often based on opinion rather than fact, hence the contrasting views often found in historical sources. The events that we hear about in our History books are only the ones that were recorded at the time yet I think our information may be tailored to what those in power at the time wished to be known we know this was done as paintings remain from the Tudor period that feature scenes we know can’t have taken place as propaganda to influence the people’s view. Such as the stories, featured within this book, written about King Alfred the Great written by Asser that feature tales that have been proved to be untrue such as the fact he saw St Cuthbert, although accounts written by others claim it was St Neot. he also states that King Alfred invented the navy, despite it being known that his father and grandfather had already fought the Vikings at sea as early as 851 off the coast of Kent. This shows why it is difficult to discover what really happened back then.

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the foul facts about the Vicious Vikings are ready to uncover, including including Viking Gods in wedding dresses, corpses on trial and Death by booby-trapped statues.

It's history with all the nasty bits kept in, which is perfect for when you are talking about the vicious sometimes barbaric VIKINGS the mean mean and woman from norway, Sweden, and denmark which ironically are the most peaceful people of the modern age. They crossed the sea in search for better lands as there lands where not fertile for growth of crops. They found the lands of england. Dorset coast to be more specific, in 787 AD where they originally wanted to trade for goods but the saxon tax officer tried to charge them money and make them see the king well they wasn't haven't none of that killed the tax man (which i don't blame them) and they left got some mates came back and raided Britain and had a viking king till 1066 viking harald is defeated and then the normans attack, and kill king Harold and normans rule the UK.

The vikings where very amazing don't listen to your teachers when they tell you Christopher Columbus discovered America. Because that's not true a viking called Leif Erikson discovered america in 1000 AD they called it Vinland and then leif left and told his brother Thorvald what he found. And in 1004 his brother returned with 35 men and set up camp and explored and met the native americans they called them "skraelings" they got along for a while then the natives turned on thorvald destroyed all the viking camps and shot thorvald with an arrow to his belly and he died so his remaining men left and never returned.

That's just one of the amazing things they did and one of the amazing things you learn about in this book as always full of laughs, full of facts, and all the gruesome stuff left in of course. If you have kids they will love them and if your an adult and don't want to read boring text books steal this from your child when they are done because that would mean otherwise 🤣

4/5 stars on goodreads

100/100 Ginger points

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

American history books aimed at younger readers are often accused of being dogmatic. Children learn that the kindly Native Americans rescued the starving Pilgrims and sat down to a lovely celebratory feast, that Chris Columbus was not a self-interested Spaniard whose crew of rapists spread venereal disease through the West Indies, and that Helen Keller was the Who's Tommy before there was a Tommy or the Who. However, Terry Deary's Horrible Histories books presents young readers with what is proven, explains schools of thought surrounding certain events in a way that allows British children to decide for themselves, and does it in an entertaining way.

The Horrible Histories BBC series was based upon this series of books, and can currently be seen in America streaming on Hulu. The television series and the books are formatted in the same way, chunking information to make it more easily digestible and for their audiences to engage with them better. The material is not presented in chronological order, and it is low stakes, meaning the reader does not have to retain names and dates they read long, long ago (if the child is a slow reader) in Chapter 1 to follow a bit in one of the later chapters.

It is very well done. The only reason I gave it four stars was because of the way the quizzes are set up. Flipping back and forth between questions and answers and then their explanations of how that answer manifested in history accelerated the wear and tear on my second-hand copy of the book. The front cover fell off! If you have a love of these types of books and a more durable copy of the text, you will have a truly five-star experience.

[Preethika P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read about viking stories before and understood how they lived and their life style in bits and pieces. They were known for their courage and bravery.

The horrible histories of vicious vikings was an eye opener of how they actually lived and created history. The truth was so brutal that I was spellbound when I finished the book. The illustrations they made in each page was equally funny. For some serious stories, I was laughing hard seeing the pictures and illustrations.

It is great fun to learn history in this way. If they had this kinda history books in my era, I would have aced the history subject 😅😅

In between the pages there were quizzes placed where we got to choose options and know if we can become a viking or not and how they have made decisions in war and treaty in the quiz section. I certainly learnt alot 😅😅♥️

#raconteurpreethika #horriblehistories #viciousvikings #terrydeary #terrydearyshorriblehistories #illustration #funhistory #historyfacts #vikings #norse #norman

[Gavin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think these were the only history books I read until I was 20 years old. It sufficed!

Obviously it's not good for your only exposure to history to be the 100 most dramatic moments, the 100 most elite and unrepresentative people. (For each page of a regular history book I should imagine the lives of a thousand peasants.) But very few people have any grasp of history beyond this superficial roll call, so it didn't hurt me much to delay it.

Our need for "people's history" is great: it at least has a chance of being an accurate picture of the past. (Many particular instances of people's history are fatally false or misleading though, because the contrarianism and ideological heat of the topic draws parasites and shills.)

[Emma]

The book I chose is Viscous Vikings, this is about kids who go back in time and they went to the Vikings during the period/era, during there visit they learned many things such as different myths stereotypes and even some of the things they wore like there horned helmets, I also learned about there lifestyle and how they survived and there conquests. This book also named some of there legends and beliefs.

I rate this book a 4 this is because it was short, fast, easy, and a good way to learn. It gave many facts and it was even funny. I liked this book also because It had a lot of action and adventure while having the fun of learning, it gave how they lived and what they did and it gave certain tools they used liked there helmets and armor. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs a short fact and easy book.