The Hammer And The Cross: A New History Of The Vikings (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This is a fine and wide ranging modern history of the time commonly referred to as the 'Viking Age' and one of the first which clearly links the beginning of the Scandinavian attacks on north west Europe to the conquest of heathen Saxony by the Christian Francs under Charlemagne in the 780's. The author, rightly in my view, shows that the Scandinavian attacks on Christendom were attacks directly aimed at this aggressive, expansionist and exclusive faith which now extended to the borders of Denmark. Christian communities were attacked as part of a 'holy war,' not just because they contained wealthy artifacts to loot. I was a little disappointed that the author went on to link the onset of the attacks to the introduction of sail. The classical civilisations were using sail over one thousand years before this time and regularly visiting Britain while the Roman empire used sailing ships in the north sea throughout the first millennium. It seems too fantastic to me that a people who relied on the sea to a large extent for both communication and survival would not notice these things on their doorstep and carry on rowing to and fro! I also liked the way that the author linked the wars and attacks as desperate attempts to stem the power of kings and a centralized, 'modern,' state which went hand in hand with the increasing influence of the church. From Vinland to Serkland, Greenland to Miklagard, this history describes the three centuries of the Viking Age in an entertaining and readable manner. Recommended. Provided a good insite to the nordic culture and their "travels" to lower Europe and the West. A bit name heavy at times with tongue twisting, but also colorful names; Ivar the Boneless. It further clarified english lands and conditions of the time, giving detail to the "Dane Law" which existed there as well as the take over of other areas of lower Europe. Also touched on was the folklore and justice of the clan; overall pretty interesting. What a gutsy group of sailors!
What do You think about The Hammer And The Cross: A New History Of The Vikings (2009)?
It was a decent read, although I think it becomes redundant as you get further in the book.
—SJP
I really wanted to enjoy this book, but the writing style put me off completely.
—uofiharvey
Seems like good research, but not an easy read for that very reason.
—scarletgreen
An interesting book about an interesting bunch of people.
—arlette1919
