What do you think?
Rate this book
Histories of the Unexpected
Histories of the Unexpected: The Vikings
Histories of the Unexpected not only presents a new way of thinking about the past, but also reveals the world around us as never before.
Traditionally, the Vikings have been understood in a straightforward way - but the period really comes alive if you take an unexpected approach to its history. Yes, ships, raiding and trade have a fascinating history... but so too do hair, break-ins, toys, teeth, mischief, luck and silk!
Each of these subjects is equally fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.
Traditionally, the Vikings have been understood in a straightforward way - but the period really comes alive if you take an unexpected approach to its history. Yes, ships, raiding and trade have a fascinating history... but so too do hair, break-ins, toys, teeth, mischief, luck and silk!
Each of these subjects is equally fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2019
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Sam Willis
50 books55 followersDr Sam Willis is a maritime historian and archaeologist and is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
He is the author of the best-selling Hearts of Oak Trilogy and the Fighting Ships Series. He has consulted on maritime history for many clients including the BBC, Channel 4, NBC America and Christie's.
Sam's work is coloured by his knowledge and experience of seamanship. Sam's unique approach to maritime history and his vivid style of writing has led to him being described as 'A Nautical Tour de Force'.
He is the author of the best-selling Hearts of Oak Trilogy and the Fighting Ships Series. He has consulted on maritime history for many clients including the BBC, Channel 4, NBC America and Christie's.
Sam's work is coloured by his knowledge and experience of seamanship. Sam's unique approach to maritime history and his vivid style of writing has led to him being described as 'A Nautical Tour de Force'.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 24, 2020
Another good little book in the HoU series, full of surprising facts and a fair amount of humour. Some treasured myths - including that of the blood eagle - get soundly destroyed, but this is what decent history should do. Would like to challenge them on their take on women and fighting - as they lean more to women not doing so - although the acknowledgements list a wealth of experts who I imagine would have advised them well. Great read that would make an excellent present for anyone interested in history.
February 26, 2020
This was a nice bite-sized introduction to the Vikings and some of aspects of their culture. Would have liked a little more depth in some parts.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews