Stephan Weaver

A short book that covers Viking history from late 8th century to mid-11th century. Their invasions, social circumstances, and mythology are included while also correcting some misperceptions. Vikings made their presence felt in England, Scotland, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Vinland, and France. The era of Viking invasions has three potential catalysts. 1) The invasions were retaliation for coercion and terror in trying to turn them into Christians. 2) Need for resources led them to trade and obtain trading partners in new territories. 3) Growing population with a lack of fertile farmland caused them to seek it elsewhere. In many instances emulated the people under their reign.

The raids were typically small but appear to have been part of grand strategy. Usually raiding in the winter as the regions under attack would lack support. What gave the Vikings superiority was the Viking longships which were fast and could travel shallow waters. Some Vikings left regions because they were paid to leave. Other Vikings settled in regions where armies could not remove them. While other Vikings lost battles and retreated.

Social culture was typically hospitable and welcoming of strangers. Although the Viking was not larger-than-life-size, because of their harsh environment, physical chores, and battles, they were physically stronger than average man. Women were independent and had certain rights which permitted them to enjoyed relatively more liberty than other regions during the time period. Large slave population for daily and physical chores. The kings title was fought for rather than inherited.

A quick read. As this is a short book, it discusses the Vikings in broad descriptions and does not contain many details per event. A very good overview of the Vikings which allows the reader to consider looking for more. Provides history from different perspectives rather than glorifying or demonizing the Vikings.… (plus d'informations)

Is This An Overview?
Ancient Greece had gone through various political changes. Removing the monarchy in favor of a republic. Developing a democracy. The earlier cultural developments set foundations that enabled the later cultural successes. A culture that enabled the rise of various world renown philosophers that changed how people think. A culture bound to mythical sentiments. Greek culture was acknowledged as valuable by other states. Alexander the Great expanded Greek culture, which others further spread during the Hellenistic Period. The fall of Ancient Greece was partly due to the Roman Empire, which had undermined Ancient Greece’s sovereignty. The Greek kingdoms lacked the unity needed to defend themselves.

Caveats?
A very short book about a long period of time. The book introduces the reader to Ancient Greece, tempting the reader into searching for more information about Ancient Greece. The shortness of the book means that there are a lot of details missing. The details presented are simplified. The simplified details can misrepresent events.… (plus d'informations)

Is This An Overview?
Norse mythology has been influential through the acts of historical leaders and fictional heroes. Influencing many societies with their norms and customs. The Norse pantheon contained many diverse characters, and usually part of a conflict. It was a conflict that reduced the Ten Worlds, to Nine Worlds. It was a death of a giant that made the middle earth, the land of humanity. Worlds cosmically tied by a world-tree. With conflict, there is also peace and how the different groups interacted with each other. But that is not to forget the looming fate of Ragnarök. This is a short book describing the power of the gods, the types of worlds, the different types of beings, and historic events and fiction that propagated the myths.

Caveats?
This is a short introductory book to Norse Mythology. It does not contain a systematic analysis. Just a short description of the major gods, beings, heroes, and worlds.… (plus d'informations)