The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. But the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built.

So how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today? This book takes a "global" look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

From rape and pillage to exploration and piety - the whole story of the Vikings

About the Author
Martyn Whittock graduated in Politics from Bristol University and is the author or co-author of fifty-two books, including school history textbooks and adult history books. He taught history for thirty-five years and latterly, was curriculum leader for Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education at a Wiltshire secondary school. He is a Licensed Lay Minister in the Church of England. He has acted as an historical consultant to the National Trust and English Heritage. He retired from teaching in July 2016 to devote more time to writing. His Lion books include: The Vikings: from Odin to Christ, Christ: The First 2000 Years, Daughters of Eve, Jesus: The Unauthorized Biography, and The Story of the Cross. Hannah Whittock has an MPhil from Cambridge in Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic studies. She has co-written three books on Viking and Anglo-Saxon history and has written journal articles on Anglo-Saxon frontiers and coinage produced during the Viking Wars. She reads Old English and Old Norse. She co-wrote The Vikings with Martyn Whittock.

Reviews
"This is a stimulating and accessible approach to the Viking Age. Focusing on Vikings as Christian rulers and their followers opens up the question of just what we mean when we think of 'Vikings'. Violent barbarians of legend have their place in this book but the authors look deeper at what it meant to live and prosper in early medieval societies, taking the 'end' of the Viking Age beyond where it is often assumed to be and ensuring that the story is told in terms which make it a truly international one." Dr Ryan Lavelle, Reader in Early Medieval History, University of Winchester



Book Information
ISBN 9780745980188
Author Martyn Whittock
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Lion Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing