4/1/05 Booklist
This begins with a you-are-are-there moment-as the Vikings come ashore in England, burst into a monastery, kill the inhabitants, and steal their treasure. From the history that follows, that's the sort of behavior their neighbors came to expect. Yet their reputations as warriors have often masked the fact that these Norsemen were also farmers, traders, and boatbuilders extraordinaire. Part of the Way of the Warrior series, this slim volume lives up to its billing as a high-interest book, and it's probably boys who will be the most interested. That said, it seems odd that there's not one mention of Mrs. Viking back home. Other topics include famous figures such as Leif the Lucky and Eric the Red, religion, exploration, and archaeological research into Viking life. Many color photographs and a nice design add appeal. A glossary and a short list of resources are appended.