Page 88 - All About History - Issue 34-16

Reviews

NORTH MEN: THE VIKING

SAGA, 793-1241 AD

How the Vikings turned the Medieval world into their very
own playground
Author John Haywood Publisher Head of Zeus Price £25 Released Out now

ike the fiery portents, lighting storms and dispirit raiders of the 8th century to the rise of
dragons that heralded the Viking raids in the Scandinavian kingdoms and their emergence
England, John Haywood’s North Men heralds into the European stage by the 13th century.
the invasion of the Vikings into the Medieval The Christianisation of these kingdoms was
Lworld. Don’t let the dates on the cover deceive key and it seems assimilation of culture and
you, though; this book doesn’t just begin at religion was more effective than carrying a big
Lindisfarne (although it is covered too), it gives stick ever was.
you a grounding in the evolution of civilisation in The narrative is straightforward and easy
Scandinavia and a sprinkling of mythology thrown to follow – Haywood has made this period of
in for good measure. In terms of Viking activity, it history accessible to all. If you’re looking for a
aims to give the reader a full picture of the Viking detailed analysis of Viking activities in these
Age. It isn’t going to be a balanced view, however, locations, though, you will be left wanting, as
as Haywood is quick to point out himself, so those while this book is a solid introduction to these
looking for the Vikings trading prowess should freebooters, its layout does not give it the ability
look elsewhere. He’s here to talk distance, charting to delve into great detail on any one subject.
all their exploits from England, France, the Also provided is a timeline for quick reference
Balkans, Asia, the Mediterranean and beyond. and a full list of the various dynastic lineages
From all this moving around, Haywood does a that were set up around Europe, making all
fine job of charting the rise of the Vikings from the those wonderful Vikings’ names easy to find.

WARS AND BATTLES

OF THE ROMAN REPUBLIC

The key conflicts fought by the legion before republic became empire
RECOMMENDS… Author Paul Chrystal Publisher Fonthill Media Price £18.99 Released Out now

Battle Royal efore the days of Pax Romana, refreshing that the battles are described
on more than just face value with the
the Roman Republic was in an
Author: Hugh Bicheno Price: £25 almost constant state of warfare. effects of the conflicts assessed both
Publisher: Head of Zeus
As it expanded its territory, many economically and socially. As Chrystal
Subtitled Ba battle was fought on land and says himself: “No war or battle was ever
‘The Wars
Of Lancaster at sea against the likes of the Gauls, fought in isolation – there is always a
And York, the Etruscans and the Carthaginians. casus belli.”
1440-1462’ Paul Chrystal’s Wars And Battles Of The downside of Wars And Battles
this is part The Roman Republic takes on the task Of The Roman Republic is that all
one of a two-
part study of describing and explaining 100 key the battles during the days of empire
that seeks battles from the struggle to dominate are not included, but the big hitters
to unravel Italy in 753 BCE to the days of Julius from the republic era including the
the dynastic
struggle for Caesar in 100 BCE. three Punic Wars, Gallic Wars and the
England’s Beginning with the Roman conquest Siege of Syracuse are all mentioned.
throne of the Italian Peninsula, each battle is The trawl through can become a little
between
the houses of Lancaster and York presented in immaculate detail while linear, so it’s lucky that the chronology
in what became known as the Wars also being punchy in its delivery and is broken up into sections. Each war is
of the Roses. This period of English not overstaying its welcome. A book given a summary for context while the
history really is the stuff of high drama, that you can dip into or read cover to text is bookended by an introduction
and Bicheno’s version of it doesn’t
disappoint. Compellingly told, this book cover, it is presented chronologically describing warfare prior to the Romans
brings Late Medieval England thrillingly and helps take the reader on a journey and an epilogue acting as a taster to
back to life in such gory detail that you as the legion develops from a part-time Augustus’s creation of the Roman
can almost smell the blood and muck.
army to a full-time war machine. It’s Empire, leaving you wanting more.
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