Vikings, War, and the Fall of the Carolingians: A Critical English Translation of the Annals of Saint Vaast

by Steve Bivans

Fan of the Vikings History Channel show? The Last Kingdom? 13th Warrior?Have questions, were the Vikings?Illiterate, mindless barbarians bent on the destruction of Christendom?Swashbuckling Columbuses unaware of the larger world around them? “There’s nothing on the other side of the North Sea, Ragnar!”Agents from hell, sent to punish bad Christians?Were they really that violent?Why Attack Europe?Why were they so successful?How many Vikings were there?Were there women Vikings like Lagertha?While the entertainment industry has focused on the Viking wars and raids in Britain, their invasions into Francia have largely been ignored. But a full understanding of the Viking Age must include this part of the story.Thankfully, we have historical documents from the period to give us that story. The Annals of St-Vaast—never before published in English—is one of the key sources for their adventures in the Kingdom of the Franks.Written in the last quarter of the 9th century, they cover the height of Viking invasions on the continent of Europe. The annals are a great companion for anyone interested in the perspective of the Christian world in this turbulent century.

What you’ll find inside this story of the great Siege of Paris!The destruction of the Carolingian dynasty.Intrigue, murder, treason, rebellion, and feuds between the Frankish Kings, their dukes, counts, and bishops.Medieval Military History!: strategy, tactics, weapons, and logistics.Professional historical analysis of the source.An invitation to a Free Video Course on the Vikings, instructed by the author himself.A sample of the author’s upcoming historical-fiction novel, Anno Draconis, based on the Vikings in France, as well as a Free Advanced Copy and an exclusive invitation to the Official Launch Team for the book!’re a fan of a movie or TV show looking for answers to questions you have about the Vikings?You’re a history geek looking for a new, previously untranslated, unpublished primary source for the Vikings, Francia, Charles the Fat, or the late Carolingian dynasty? Then Vikings, War and the Fall of the Carolingians is the book for you!Be bold, like a Viking, and scroll back up to the top of the page and BUY THIS BOOK!

But pack your helmet, sword, and shield, because it’s gonna be a rough ride, Ragnar.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 7, 2017

About the author

Steve Bivans is the Author of Anno Draconis: The Viking Saga of Litt Ormr; A Ghost of an Idea; Be a Hobbit, Save the Earth, and the The End of Fear Itself; and Vikings, War, and the Fall of the Carolingians.

He has a master’s degree in medieval history, is an expert on Viking Warfare and Culture, Tolkien’s Middle Earth

Reviews

[Matthew Dambro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent translation of a 9th Century monastic chronicle. It was done as a master's thesis some years ago. It did an old man's heart good to see that scholarship is still done in universities. I got my MA in Medieval history under Dr. Norman Cantor back in the mid 70s. I was working on my doctorate when life happened. I have never regretted the time I spent learning for the sheer joy of it. The experience of true scholarship has filled my life with meaning and solace. One could not ask for more. Mr. Bivans is to be congratulated on a superlative work. His endnotes smell of hard work and dusty manuscripts. Bravo, sir.

[Robert Monk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading old medieval chronicles, and this one was no different. I'm more likely to read English ones, however, so it was interesting to have a look at the continent. The material here is from the late 9th century, the time of the Viking invasions, and it was particularly fascinating to be reminded that it wasn't just the British Isles that were hit by the Northmen. The introduction is serviceable, if nothing special, but the translation is very careful and excellently notated. Depressing stuff, of course, as the Carolingians couldn't pull it together from their internecine warfare to actually resist the Vikings. But fascinating to read about it from someone who'd probably lived through it.

[Eric T. Bergeson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vikings = Danes

Excellent Viking history that changed my Scandinavian view f my own Norwegian heritage. Now I understand why I am only 16% Scandinavian and 90% Western Europe. Very revealing to me personally.

[Mick Maye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing

The book jumps from one spot to the other with little explanation. The names are similar throughout which doesn’t help.