Historical Atlas of the Viking World

Angus Konstam9781904668121, 1904668127

Grade 7 Up-In spite of the title, maps are not the most useful or impressive feature of this book. In fact, many of the chapters covering such areas as religion and mythology, ships, or warfare contain no maps at all. However, what readers will find in abundance are color photographs, illustrations, and a fair amount of text on these and other topics. The organization is thematic rather than chronological, making it most useful for students who already have some grounding in the history of the early Middle Ages and the Vikings in particular. The photographs of ship, architecture, and weapon reconstructions are complemented by full- and half-page drawings depicting aspects of Viking life and culture. However, as an atlas, this volume is not a success. The maps are colorful and uncluttered, but many places referred to in the text are not shown. For example, a short chapter on the settlement of the Isle of Man does not include a map showing its location. There is no bibliography. Purchase where additional illustrative material or Viking history is needed.