The Age of the Vikings

By: Anders Winroth

Narrated by: Eric Jason Martin

The Vikings maintain their grip on our imagination, but their image is too often distorted by medieval and modern myth. It is true that they pillaged, looted, and enslaved. But they also settled peacefully and developed a vast trading network. They traveled far from their homelands in swift and sturdy ships, not only to raid, but also to explore. Despite their fearsome reputation, the Vikings didn’t wear horned helmets, and even the infamous berserkers were far from invincible.

By dismantling the myths, The Age of the Vikings allows the full story of this period in medieval history to be told. By exploring every major facet of this exciting age, Anders Winroth captures the innovation and pure daring of the Vikings without glossing over their destructive heritage.

He not only explains the Viking attacks, but also looks at Viking endeavors in commerce, politics, discovery, and colonization, and reveals how Viking arts, literature, and religious thought evolved in ways unequaled in the rest of Europe. He shows how the Vikings seized on the boundless opportunities made possible by the invention of the longship, using it to venture to Europe for plunder, to open new trade routes, and to settle in lands as distant as Russia, Greenland, and the Byzantine Empire. Challenging the image of the Vikings that comes so easily to mind, Winroth argues that Viking chieftains were no more violent than men like Charlemagne, who committed atrocities on a far greater scale than the northern raiders.

Drawing on a wealth of written, visual, and archaeological evidence, The Age of the Vikings sheds new light on the complex society and culture of these legendary seafarers.

©2014 Princeton University Press (P)2014 Audible Inc.

well written. the voice is a little monotonous

welp I can't say more than I did in the title. sticks to the history. narration leaves a bit to be desired.

Excellent Content,. Poor Narration

In terms of content, this was a wonderful exploration of the Viking Age. The author was excellent in presentation of facts, details, and ideas.

Had true difficulties getting through it though because of the narration. Robotic, lifeless, and repetitive intonation (Let's draw out the last syllable of every sentence...every...single...sentence...shall we?)

Have purchased over 100 Audible titles over the past couple of years. Reviews are usually easy...five stars across the board. This is only one of two books I've purchased where it would be best to re-record with someone that would do justice to the author's efforts.

Good overview

Found it had good breadth of discussion of viking age. It is perhaps a little dry for some tastes.

the narrators voice was dull and tiring

the narrators voice was dull and tiring making it hard to listen for long periods without falling asleep. Other than that it was an excellent book.

Good read/listen.

Nice overview of the Viking age and current state of the scientific knowledge about it. The narration was fine for this type of work, it's not a radio drama.