'What a superb book this is! Wise, well-informed, judicious and infinitely readable.' -Magnus Magnusson, Scotsman'an utterly splendid book, quite the most brilliantly written, balanced and explanative general work on the Vikings ever to appear in English or...in any language.' -Erik Wahlgren, Scandinavian Studies'A highly readable history.' -Oxford Time'no better book on the Vikings has ever been written, and it is one which every educated person with any interest in history should know about... Readers will be delighted to discover the eloquent and sparkling prose of a natural Welsh bard and storyteller who was one of the shining lights of University College, Cardiff. The man writes beautifully. There are not many history books one can pick up and start reading anywhere just for the sheer enjoyment of literary craftsmanship and even fewer as authoritative as this.' -Lloyds List 13/04/1994