The Real Vikings : Craftsmen, Traders, and Fearsome Raiders

by Gilda Berger, Martha A. Barletta

Offers a factual guide to the time of the Vikings through a review of their many occupations, diverse skills, great expeditions, and the courageous accomplishments they made as the talented sailors they were that forever changed the world.

Genres: History, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

64 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

In 1957, Melvin Berger married Gilda Shulman (now Gilda Berger), also a noted author of children's nonfiction. The two have collaborated on many books, including the ongoing Scholastic Question-and-Answer series. Writing has enabled Berger to answer many of their own questions, as well; they enjoy research and finds that working on one book almost inevitably raises enough issues to lead to another. The Bergers have two daughters and live near the beach in East Hampton, New York.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have liked more information about viking women and home life.

[Hannah Garden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had some astrology recommend recently I look into my heritage, and so I am lazily snooping around in it and this book was fun to read. There is a photograph of a Twelfth Century Norwegian chess set and pictures of old tools and graves.

[AmyintheWind · Rating 5 out of 5]

We read this as part of our homeschool history curriculum. I LOVE how it's organized. It was easy to get a handle on the people and places because of the great photos and maps! It's a bit long to be considered a "picture book." It's more of a children's reference book. Even so, we read the whole thing in one sitting (over an hour)...and we all really enjoyed it. My husband listened with one ear while doing some work at the computer, and even he was commenting and laughing along with us.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned something from this book!

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool pictures & easy to read.

[Kim Tyo-Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to Viking culture that works as a springboard for further reading and research on numerous aspects of Viking life, including religion, warcraft, weaponry, exploration, and home life.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read. Interesting pictures with clear captions. Useful index and Further Resources page for research.

[Diane Baima · Rating 1 out of 5]

The facts in this book are incorrect. Rus' and Russia are not the same.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty comprehensive for a children's book.

[Jane G Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun glimpse into the world of the Vikings. Just the right amount of text--lots of pictures and many of the pertinent facts covered. Would certainly recommend this for a child doing a report on Vikings. Great reference. The maps are especially helpful.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A look at the lifestyle of the Vikings through archeological digs, art, and research. I thought that some of the topics covered were a tad old for the targeted audience, but as an adult, I loved them.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up at the public library based on the covered, it intrigued me. I really enjoyed the book and learned quite a bit. My son loves Norse mythology where as my forte is Greek and Roman so it was fun to discuss some things I learned with him.

[Ledys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating overview of the Vikings and their times, with many illustrations and photographs that make it easy to visualize what the text is referring to, and get a good sample of Viking culture and artifacts.