The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings (Hist Atlas)

Good basic overview of Viking era - good for teens (2008-05-22)
I did learn a few things from this book and, as a general introduction to the entire Viking era it does a good job. There are a few problems with it though. First, there are a few editorial mistakes (inlcuding, it appears to me, a missing illustration - the caption is included and a blank space where an image should be). Second, the maps are not always as interesting to look at as one would hope (although the written information is consistently interesting and enjoyable to read). As a reference book it is very useful and I am happy to have it on my bookshelf. I'm sure I will read it again. I feel bound to point out that I think it would be ideal for teenagers - especially if they are doing an assignment on the topic.

Excellent Resource (2007-03-06)
This handy sized book (10" x 6.5" x .5ish") makes a great general resource of information related to the Vikings and their period of history. As one who finds history easier to comprehend when plentiful maps are handy, I find the historical atlas a wonderful class of book in general. The Penguin historical atlases are smaller than many I have, which makes them a bit more convenient to use. The maps in this atlas are easy to understand and do help shed light on the activities and movements of the Vikings.

I did find the approach to the text in this book a bit redundant, but this seems to have been an intentional choice on the part of the author, who presents a block of information prior to the maps in a given section of the book, and then re-covers this material in the text accompanying each map at essentially the same level of detail. I'm not sure I would have done it this way, but, as I use the atlas more, perhaps this format will grow on me.

All in all a very useful and well produced resource. Many thanks to all those involved in researching and producing it.

Best Resource for Beginning Scandophiles (2007-02-09)
This atlas is one of the best possible collections of our knowledge about early Scandinavia. Although the term "Viking" is in the title, hopefully by reading this book you will learn that there was a whole lot more to primitive, expansionist Scandia. The book also does a great job of talking about all the players in Norden, rather than just the traditional trio. I'm a Scandinavian Studies student in college and this book has been an exceptional resource for multiple papers.

An excellent summary of Viking history (2007-01-18)
As an amateur reasearcher and a keen fan of Viking history, I consider this book to be one of the best summaries of the Viking era. The text is well edited, to-the-point, yet manages to contain all important historical details. The illustrations and maps complement the text's material with further graphic information very well, causing the book to be one of the most interesting reads on Vikings I have ever come across. The writing not only deals with major military events of the Viking era, but discloses details on everyday life, rural and urban settlements, trade activites and much more of medieval Scandinavia.

To readers who are interested in overall Viking history but simply cannot decide which book to start with, this work is an ideal choice.

Very Informative (2007-01-13)
I found this book to be excellent for my requirements - it provided information clearly and was not overwhelming in detail. The maps are excellent. I recommend this book to everyone interested in Viking history. It makes an excellent reference book to have in your library.