Ivory Vikings

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 1137279370
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 290

Book Description
In the early 1800's, on a Hebridean beach in Scotland, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. Norse netsuke, each face individual, each full of quirks, the Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizard's Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Housed at the British Museum, they are among its most visited and beloved objects. Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Nancy Marie Brown's Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology, art history, forensics, and the history of board games. In the process, Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic, and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen explains the economic lure behind the Viking voyages to the west in the 800s and 900s. And finally, it brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland.

The Real Valkyrie

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 1250200830
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 325

Book Description
In the tradition of Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra, Brown lays to rest the hoary myth that Viking society was ruled by men and celebrates the dramatic lives of female Viking warriors “Once again, Brown brings Viking history to vivid, unexpected life—and in the process, turns what we thought we knew about Norse culture on its head. Superb.” —Scott Weidensaul, author of New York Times bestselling A World on the Wing "Magnificent. It captured me from the very first page." —Pat Shipman, author of The Invaders In 2017, DNA tests revealed to the collective shock of many scholars that a Viking warrior in a high-status grave in Birka, Sweden was actually a woman. The Real Valkyrie weaves together archaeology, history, and literature to imagine her life and times, showing that Viking women had more power and agency than historians have imagined. Nancy Marie Brown uses science to link the Birka warrior, whom she names Hervor, to Viking trading towns and to their great trade route east to Byzantium and beyond. She imagines her life intersecting with larger-than-life but real women, including Queen Gunnhild Mother-of-Kings, the Viking leader known as The Red Girl, and Queen Olga of Kyiv. Hervor’s short, dramatic life shows that much of what we have taken as truth about women in the Viking Age is based not on data, but on nineteenth-century Victorian biases. Rather than holding the household keys, Viking women in history, law, saga, poetry, and myth carry weapons. These women brag, “As heroes we were widely known—with keen spears we cut blood from bone.” In this compelling narrative Brown brings the world of those valkyries and shield-maids to vivid life.

The Far Traveler

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
ISBN: 9780156033978
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 324

Book Description
"Brown's enthusiasm is infectious as she re-teaches us our history."--The Boston Globe Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. She landed in the New World and lived there for three years, giving birth to a baby before sailing home. Or so the Icelandic sagas say. Even after archaeologists found a Viking longhouse in Newfoundland, no one believed that the details of Gudrid's story were true. Then, in 2001, a team of scientists discovered what may have been this pioneering woman's last house, buried under a hay field in Iceland, just where the sagas suggested it could be. Joining scientists experimenting with cutting-edge technology and the latest archaeological techniques, and tracing Gudrid's steps on land and in the sagas, Nancy Marie Brown reconstructs a life that spanned--and expanded--the bounds of the then-known world. She also sheds new light on the society that gave rise to a woman even more extraordinary than legend has painted her and illuminates the reasons for its collapse. "Brown rightly leaves scholarly work to scholars. Instead, her account presents an enthusiastic appreciation of her education in how fieldwork and literature offer insights into the past."--The Seattle Times "[Brown has] a lovely ear for storytelling."--Los Angeles Times Book Review NANCY MARIE BROWN is the author of A Good Horse Has No Color and Mendel in the Kitchen. She lives in Vermont with her husband, the writer Charles Fergus.

Song of the Vikings

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
ISBN: 1137073713
Category : Biography & Autobiography
Languages : en
Pages : 229

Book Description
“A wonderfully evocative biography of the . . . 13th century Icelandic writer and chieftain” who wrote the immortal stories of Thor, Odin, Valhalla, and Ragnarök (Guardian, UK). Much like Greek and Roman mythology, Norse myths are still with us. Famous storytellers from JRR Tolkien to Neil Gaiman have drawn their inspiration from the long-haired, mead-drinking, marauding and pillaging Vikings. But few of us know much about the creator of these immortal heroes: a thirteenth-century Icelandic chieftain by the name of Snorri Sturluson. Like Homer, Snorri was a bard, writing down and embellishing the folklore and pagan legends of medieval Scandinavia. Unlike Homer, Snorri was a man of the world—a wily political power player, one of the richest men in Iceland who came close to ruling it, and even closer to betraying it. In Song of the Vikings, award-winning author Nancy Marie Brown brings Snorri Sturluson’s story to life in a richly textured narrative that draws on newly available sources.

Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them

Author: Nancy Marie Brown
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 1466879130
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 290

Book Description
“A fascinating tale of discovery and mystery.” —The Minneapolis Star Tribune In the early 1800's, on a Hebridean beach in Scotland, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. The Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizard's Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Housed at the British Museum, they are among its most visited and beloved objects. Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Nancy Marie Brown's Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology, art history, forensics, and the history of board games. In the process, Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic, and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland, Ireland and Iceland, and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland.

The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Vikings

Author: Stella Caldwell
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1681889021
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 80

Book Description
Take an incredible journey back in time to a land of warriors, longboats and legends. Marvel at fabulous treasures and sagas of heroes, monsters and epic voyages. Travel back in time more than a thousand years to visit the world of the Vikings. Board a longship to go on a voyage of exploration, and see the weapons and armor used by a mighty warrior. Discover mythical tales of magic, monsters, gods, and goddesses. Learn about mysterious picture stones, how the Vikings honored their dead, and how they traveled to the ends of the known world. Dozens of ancient Viking treasures are depicted in detailed full-color illustrations accompanied by fascinating facts about their use, lore, and history. DOZENS OF ARTIFACTS: Learn about 36 iconic objects, from a Viking warrior’s axe to a longship that sailed the high seas. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Vibrant, detailed images of the art, objects, people, and icons of the Viking world. FASCINATING FACTS: Includes hundreds of amazing facts about Viking treasures in an easy-to-read format that will enthrall budding historians of all ages. CLASSROOM TO COFFEE TABLE: This beautiful volume is equally at home on a school bookshelf to support student learning as in a living room to be enjoyed by the whole family. COLLECT THE SERIES: More fascinating compendiums for all ages include The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Egypt, The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome, The Magnificent Book of Horses, The Magnificent Book of Extinct Animals, and more!

The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Vikings

Author: Stella A. Caldwell
Publisher: Weldon Owen International
ISBN: 168188903X
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 82

Book Description
Travel back in time more than a thousand years to visit the world of the Vikings. Board a longship to go on a voyage of exploration, and see the weapons and armor used by a mighty warrior. Discover mythical tales of magic, monsters, gods, and goddesses. Learn about mysterious picture stones, how the Vikings honored their dead, and how they traveled to the ends of the known world. Dozens of ancient Viking treasures are depicted in detailed full-color illustrations accompanied by fascinating facts about their use, lore, and history. DOZENS OF ARTIFACTS: Learn about 36 iconic objects, from a Viking warrior’s axe to a longship that sailed the high seas. BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED: Vibrant, detailed images of the art, objects, people, and icons of the Viking world. FASCINATING FACTS: Includes hundreds of amazing facts about Viking treasures in an easy-to-read Layout that will enthrall budding historians of all ages. CLASSROOM TO COFFEE TABLE: This beautiful volume is equally at home on a school bookshelf to support student learning as in a living room to be enjoyed by the whole family. COLLECT THE SERIES: More fascinating compendiums for all ages include The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Egypt, The Magnificent Book of Treasures: Ancient Rome, The Magnificent Book of Horses, The Magnificent Book of Extinct Animals, and more!

The Vikings

Author: Jillian Powell
Publisher: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc
ISBN: 9781615332212
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 38

Book Description
Introduces the various elements of life as a Viking, including religion, war, family life, and food.

Vikings

Author: History Nerds
Publisher: History Nerds
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 90

Book Description
Embark on an exhilarating voyage through history with "Vikings," a captivating exploration of the legendary Norse seafarers who left an indelible mark on the world. From their daring voyages across treacherous seas to their ferocious battles and cultural contributions, this meticulously researched book offers an immersive journey into the captivating world of the Vikings. Unravel the mysteries of these fierce warriors, as you delve into their captivating sagas and the captivating tales of gods and heroes that defined their mythology. Follow in the footsteps of legendary figures like Ragnar Lothbrok and Lagertha, as you witness their triumphs and challenges that have etched their names into the annals of history. With vivid storytelling and historical accuracy, "Vikings" brings to life the captivating era of these intrepid explorers, showcasing their technological innovations, artistic achievements, and societal structures that continue to inspire awe to this day. Beyond the raids and conquests, this book delves into the daily lives of the Vikings, exploring their rich traditions, trading networks, and their remarkable legacy that shaped the course of European history. Perfect for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, "Vikings" is an authoritative and enthralling account that sheds light on the true essence of these enigmatic warriors and their enduring impact on the world. Prepare to be transported to a time of daring adventures, epic battles, and cultural brilliance as you journey through the captivating and awe-inspiring world of the Vikings. Whether you're fascinated by their seafaring prowess, intrigued by their mythology, or curious about their lasting influence, "Vikings" promises an unforgettable and enlightening experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for the enduring legacy of these fearless voyagers.

Vikings in America

Author: Graeme Davis
Publisher: Birlinn
ISBN: 085790065X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 321

Book Description
When Columbus claimed to have discovered America in 1492, and the Borgia Pope claimed it as a New World for Catholic Spain, the Vatican started a 500 hundred year conspiracy to conceal the true story of Viking America. In this groundbreaking work by the author of The Early English Settlement of Orkney and Shetland, the true extent of the Viking discovery and colonisation of the eastern seaboard of America is fully examined, taking into account the new archaeological, linguistic and DNA evidence which supplements the historic account. For four centuries or more, from their first visits around AD 1000 to the eve of the Columbus voyages, the Vikings explored and settled thousands of miles of the coasts and rivers of North America. From New York's Long Island to the Canadian High Arctic the New World was a playground for Viking adventurers. And the name the Vikings gave to this New World - America.