Take a journey back in time to witness the dawning of a civilization forever defined by its ferocious warriors, highly advanced seafaring technology, and thirst for adventure. The Viking Age! A brief footprint in the course of history that impacted generations hundreds of years into the future. You will dive into the depths of Scandinavia to find out what made the Vikings the most feared group of people in the European Middle Ages. Experts at warfare and navigating the high seas, the Vikings were on a mission and would not let anyone stand in their way! Brutal conquerors they were, but the Vikings were no mere savages. The Vikings had a unique culture and society that spread much influence through transcontinental trade and exploration into unknown worlds. Navigate the Vikings' journey from their first encounters with the inhabitants of the British Isles to their discoveries of Greenland and North America. Along the way, meet some of the most famous Vikings to ever walk the face of the Earth. You will meet the infamous legend Ragnar Lothbrok whose very existence is shrouded in mystery. Step into the shoes of the first European explorer to step foot onto the lands of North America, Leif Erikson. Countless other warriors, kings, and explorers left their mark that paved the path the world has taken to this very day. Get your copy now! Relive their journeys through the eyes of a Viking and discover the makings of this fascinating civilization!
If you read this book and start reading good-old Beowulf, the complex ancient myst'ical poem will feel much more intimate and easier for ya'll.
(Kindle Ed. p. 14) “...they practiced a polytheistic religion with multiple gods and goddesses. The unique deities of Norse mythology are a representation of the way the Vikings carried out their daily lives.”
Religion and faith have always been logic and science in Human mind'/ ment'ality and way of living, and no wonder they were the rules and politics in almost all Human societies until recent centuries.
The book starts with very fresh introduction that hooks up the history fans and ends with a brief, but clear conclusion.
It is also a very informative story in fancy, yet simple English for readers to get through the whole book just in a couple of days.
Lastly, there are many typos to be edited:
(Kindle Ed. p. 40) ...Contests such as running, swimming, and other physical activity could be become extremely competitive to the point of competitors getting injured or killed.
(Correction) ...Contests such as running, swimming, and other physical activity could be extremely competitive to the point of competitors getting injured or killed.
(Kindle Ed. p. 44) The Vikings were some of the fiercest warriors throughout all of history...
(Correction) The Vikings were some of the fiercest warriors throughout [the whole] history...
(Kindle Ed. p. 44) In Viking society, only rich men could afford to own a sword due to the extensive cost it was to craft.
(Correction) In Viking society, only rich men could afford to own a sword due to the expensive cost it was to craft.
(Kindle Ed. p. 46) ...The Norsemen were powerful warriors and the veracity behind their board formation could destroy the shields of many of their enemies...
(Correction) ....The Norsemen were powerful warriors and the velocity behind their boar formation could destroy the shields of many of their enemies...
(Kindle Ed. p. 51) ...then the winner would certainly be the raid against the monks of Lindisfarne is 793 A.D.
(Correction) ...then the winner would certainly be the raid against the monks of Lindisfarne in 793 A.D.
(Kindle Ed. p. 57) ...Wealthy Christian sites were some of the earliest victims of Viking raids due to their expansive collection of valuables...
(Correction) ...Wealthy Christian sites were some of the earliest victims of Viking raids due to their expensive collection of valuables...
Looks like every veracity in this book is supposed to be velocity: ...The prospect of further prized goods at vulnerable monasteries was a motivator for the Norsemen to keep striking with more veracity.
The author must mean the capital of the “old” Western Roman Empire, which fell in 476 A.D. Plus, Ravenna was the capital of the empire from 402 until it collapsed: (Kindle Ed. p. 90) ...and had a goal of pillaging the famous capital of the Western Roman Empire.
(Correction) ...and had a goal of pillaging the famous capital of the old Western Roman Empire.
(Kindle Ed. p. 99) ...Erik was riding on top of his horse when it took a terrible fall...
(Correction) ...Erik was riding his horse when he took a terrible fall...
(Kindle Ed. p. 132) While we may not have the financial muscle for a full page ad in a newspaper or posters on the subway. What we do have is committed and loyal bunch of readers who also love to explore the amazing stories of the past.
(Correction) While we may not have the financial muscle for a full page ad in a newspaper or posters on the subway, what we do have is a bunch of committed and loyal readers (or our committed and loyal readers who also love to explore the amazing stories of the past.
(Kindle Ed. p. 132) ...So, if you have any ideas on how we can improve this books or if you have cool ideas for future books...
(Correction) ...So, if you have any ideas on how we can improve this book or if you have cool ideas for future books...
(Kindle Ed. p. 132) ...history is often proceed as boring and incomprehensible...
(Correction) ...history is often perceived as boring and incomprehensible...
The book should have been edited one more time before the publication, but for the author's enthusiasm I'd still highly rate this book.
‘One of the most fascinating civilizations in human history’
Bravo to the concept presented by History Compacted! In an age of instant gratification, transferring cognition to immediate utilization of the internet (as in Google) to avoid research in a library, and the preoccupation with social media outpacing educational ventures, this fine band of folks take learning in hand and condense history to digestible portions – without omitting facts or significant aspects. The idea is sound, the need is important to recognize.
In fewer than 100 pages the authors (including the well-respected Ryan Becker) have compacted Viking history in language that is at once informed and accessible to all readers. An example, in considering the beginning of civilization, ‘Vikings trace their roots back to the three modern countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway which make up Scandinavia. The land encompassing the three centuries was rustic in the 7th and 8th century AD. Winters were brutally cold, and inhabitants made a living through cultivating the land and fishing. Many individuals living in Scandinavia were farmers in addition to being brave warriors…Before the Vikings gradually converted to Christianity, they practiced a polytheistic religion with multiple gods and goddesses…’ and the authors then offer a strong section on the Norse concept of the creation of the world.
The categories explored are Norse mythology and the origins of Viking civilization, the life style of Viking life (jobs, slave trade, law, entertainment and a look at typical men, women and children) the special technology of the Vikings with a heady emphasis on seafaring and weaponry, and an overview of the Viking Age – the various raids, sagas, myths, and famous Viking personas (yes, Erik the Red and Leif Erikson among them). And at book’s end there is an impressive reference list of the authors’ resources.
The language is conversational, even while relating some of the more obtuse facts about the Vikings, and that makes this compacted history readily understood and provides a solid resource of knowledge that might be overlooked in today’s environment. We learn from history, and therefore we must study history. History Compacted makes this immediately available. Recommended.
his seems to be a broad study of the Vikings, from their daily life to their famous legendary warriors. I particularly liked the explanation of the Vikings' social structure and how each group (man, woman, and child) lived. It was a surprise to hear how seriously they took law and order; even condemning those who broke laws -- to be turned out of the country or into slaves.
Knowing little about the Vikings before reading this book, I was impressed to learn that the Vikings created superior ships and that was their greatest technological contribution. Early Vikings were not intent on settlements; they sought riches, needed resources, and slaves. Monasteries were easy game because the monks and other religious did not have weapons. They were sacked repeatedly.
Probably the reason the Vikings were such irrepressible foes had much to do with their view of the hereafter. To die in battle was the best that could happen to a warrior; the more glory he died with, the higher his status.
This is a highly-readable overview of the 3 centuries of Viking exploration, raiding and leadership. I certainly enjoyed it. The only thing that could have improved this book would have been some photos/drawings of their ships and weapons, etc.
The aim of History Compacted is to bring historical topics to readers in quick, accessible texts. This book does exactly that. Detailing the history of the Vikings in about 130 pages, it's a great starting place for anyone interested in learning more about these people.
The narrative takes us through the major chapters of Viking history: their origins and mythology, daily life, technology, exploration, and famous figures. There is also a website list for more information, though I do wish there were more print sources to check out.
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for an introductory history of the Viking Age. It's not an exhaustive study, but it's not meant to be either. Fans of the show Vikings will also recognize many of the names, especially it's most famous character, Ragnar Lothbrok.
Thank you to Ryan Becker and History Compacted (through LbraryThing) for this review copy.
This is a great beginner book if you are interested in learning about the vikings but it has very clunky writing which makes it difficult to read at times.
I found the information to be great and helpful but it would be better if the book was written to flow better and cut out all the repeated information, which there is a lot of repeated information.
Overall though I give it a 4/5 and would read other books by History Compacted.
A interesting collection about the Viking Age. I've learned a lot of trivia and some fun facts about their history and their most famous leaders. The content is good, but I really dislike the way it's written - plain, repetitive and somehow disconnected, you feel like you're reading a series of Wikipedia articles instead of a book... but as it was free I really can't complaint!
If you know some or nothing about the vikings this book is interesting and may teach you something you did not know about Vikings. It is both a joyful and easy read and I can recommend this book and it got me more interested in Viking culture and I am from Scandinavia.
Este libro presenta un pequeño resumen de la historia conocida sobre este fascinante grupo humano. Desde Ragnar hasta Hardrada, muestra los personajes más famosos de esta era. También describe someramente sus costumbres y cultura. Buen libro para iniciarse en la cultura e historia vikingas.
This book is written in an easily accessible language. The information is laid out plainly and neatly… however, it can get repetitive at parts. Still, I enjoyed reading it, and it was a nice summary of Viking history!
A straightforward examination of a maligned culture
While little actual written historical information exists about the Viking culture, this account gathered from many sources is very revealing and paints a very good picture of what the Vikings really were.
I love learning more about the various Viking warriors, kings, and explorers, but I never knew most were either farmers or traders. I recommend this book to anyone who loves history.
I chose the 5 star rating because it was excellent and covered a great deal despite being short. I would recommend this to any lover of history, and anyone fascinated by the Viking culture.
I’d recommend this book to anyone wanting an overview of the Viking age. My only question for the authors would be: do you believe Ragnar Lothbrok existed?