This book is the first I've brought about the Vikings and I probably couldn't have asked for a better introduction. The book is divided into three parts. The first section gives us a brief 82 paged run through the History of the Vikings, with sections looking at the Vikings in England, Ireland and America, and their roles as the Byzantine Emperor's Varangian guard. This section also covers such topics as Viking society, including Viking life, law, burial and the lives of Viking women. Interesting short biographies are provided of such figures as Erik the Red or Harald Hardrada, the so-called 'Last Viking'.

The second section is a look at Viking Warriors, especially the Hersirs. These include a look at arms, armour, equipment, tactics and other topics to do with land warfare, including weapon manufacture and fortifications.
The final section looks at the infamous Viking longhsip, explaining how it was built and used, and how it came to dominate the seas for so long.

The book is readable and well written, and the text is easy to digest. Another bonus is the addition of wonderful colour photographs, maps, illustrations and paintings. These include photos of archaeological finds and manuscript pages, as well as brilliant and atmospheric reconstruction paintings of Vikings at war or on their longboats, courtesy of artists like Angus McBride, Ronald Embleton and Steve Noon.

The book is printed in hardback is made of glossy pages. It contains a glossary of unfamiliar terms, a bibliography for further reading, and an appendix that lists relevant museums that house Viking finds. All in all, this is a brilliant introduction to the military world of the Vikings aimed at the layperson and non-expert. Highly Recommended!