Norse, European-history, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, history-and-culture, history-trivia, cultural-exploration, cultural-heritage*****

Who is the most influential author of all time (besides God or Allah)? Snorri Sturluson! Without his Eddas there would be no Lord of the Rings, Ragnar, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter (and a whole lot more). And he was only one of the influencers detailed in this comfortable and well-researched read about the Norse influences from BCE to the present. This is history in fairly chronological order with in text references to stuff we know today but without being stuffy or pedantic. There are pictures and quotes as well.
I am writing this review before finishing this book but after I have pre-ordered print copies for two of my sons (one of whom graduated UMnDuluth with history honors) and an ebook for myself.
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt via NetGalley. Thank you!

A very thorough discussion of the Vikings and their world, very informative and interesting and shows very well the profound influence of the Vikings on the entire world. Many experiences of, "I never knew that!"

Viking books are very popular right now (I’m not sure why) so this volume will no doubt be popular also. The author gives a great deal of information and speculation. I have two issues with this book. The first is that the author is self-referential, using his family and his own ancestry to explain things about Scandinavians in America. I really do not need that information. I am of Scandinavian descent myself. The second is that he seems to jump around quite a bit. On one page we’ll be talking about people who lived 8000 years ago, and on the next it will be people in the third century BCE, and on yet another we are in 9th or 10th century CE. If you are very into Viking history, this will be a good book for you. For pure enjoyment and excellence of presentation, I prefer the recently published The Real Valkyrie.

Sort of an "How the Irish Saved Civilization" for Scandinavians. A good fit for folks that like themed history books. An interesting read.

Very interesting book about the Vikings and how far away from their home they sailed to. Lots of good facts and points about these incredible people! The Vikings were not just raiders but also very wise beyond their time. It's no wonder we are so fascinated by them!

Enjoyable! I had hoped to learn more about my distant ancestry, but wasn't disappointed. It's a in depth, but not academic book, about the Vikings, which was fine by me. I love the Vikings history! I'm not of Viking stock, but think their exploration and outreach around the Western world back centuries ago, really amazing and study worthy. I do believe they crossed North America long before the 19th century or Columbus. Brazen, brave, and formidable people. I suppose one would have to be to live in such cold and long nighted places. Southern Europe must have seemed paradise. Great story!

I really enjoyed this book, I don't usually write reviews unless I'm truly invested in a book. It was very well written, concise, informative. Loved the connections with Norse mythology and current trends in classic literature, comic books, and movies. Most historical books can be brain numbing, but this was a quick read, packed with details of exploration, raids, culture. It was fascinating!