Viking Warrior: The Life, Equiptment, Weapons and Fighting Tactics of the Vikings

In the summer of 793 AD Viking raiders attacked and looted themonastic island of Lindisfarne, off the coast of Northumberland. Thisassault was only the beginning, within 18 months huge areas of theBritish coast was being devastated by the terrifying ships and theirfierce, destructive fighting men. Who were these mysterious raiders?In this book, veteran historian Angus Konstam answers that question,and many more besides. By focussing on the Viking warrior, himself,these mysterious figures are fleshed out and brought vividly to life. Thebook explores the Norse background and culture, the way the peoplelived and dressed, the weapons they carried and how they used them. Itlooks at their system of belief and their allegiances to family,community and king, but it also explains just why they were soeffective as plunderers and raiders. The result is a book that uncoversthe world of the Viking in a way which has never been done before,presented in the highly accessible yet informative style thatcharacterises the Haynes manual series.