Saxon, Viking and Norman (Men at Arms Series, 85) (Men-at-Arms, 85)

This book, covering Dark Age Germanic/Scandinavian warriors (Saxons, Vikings, and, ultimately, Normans), was an early Osprey offering, designed to have as broad an appeal (and, hence, market) as possible. Since it was published, however, Osprey (having discovered how rich the market really is) has published numerous, more directed works on the Saxons (e.g., "Saxon Thegn"), the Vikings (e.g., both "Viking Warrior" and "Viking Hersir"), and, of course, the Normans (e.g., "Norman Knight"), which cover each of these types in far better fashion and far greater detail than this book can - or does. If you must know about the Vikings, buy one of the "Viking" titles, ditto the Saxons or Normans. Then, if you wish, you can always add this - just because the pictures are cool. However, don't expect it to act as an "overview". There really is no attempt made (at least beyond the most obvious - e.g., "the Normans were Vikings who settled in the north of France" kind of stuff) to integrate the various groups or to tie them together in any kind of rational sequence or to otherwise synthesize their histories. It's not a bad book, just a bit too broad and too basic to do justice to any of its subjects and, because it was published before the more detailed works, it wasn't really designed to bridge them or to tie them together. Tho', as I noted, the pictures are cool. Osprey's pictures almost always are. That, alone, is worth the $12-$18 Osprey usually asks for one of their titles. If nothing else, think of it as helping to keep Angus McBride at his easel. It would be a shame if he were reduced to painting the covers for romance novels or the "Twilight" series paperback editions.

First of all, I have no complaints against the actual content of this book; the information is accurate and well-presented, and it is a good source visually. My problem with this book is that, like many early men-at-arms titles, it simply bites into way more than it could chew. The organization and weaponry of three distinct cultures spanning a period of roughly six centuries is a sizeable topic indeed for a book of 40 pages. Though I will not say that this book is a total waste or that I wish I had not bought it, there are better alternatives availible from Osprey; for example, the Vikings and the Normans both have their own elite titles, which are much more in depth, and all three of these peoples have titles on their warrior elite.

The quality of Osprey's booklets on Military Arms and Men has always been superb, with well researched text and beautiful, full color illustrations. This particular book covers three different, but somewhat related warrior peoples: the Vikings, Saxons, and Normans. While you can find a lot of books on each of these Dark Ages and Medieval warriors, this is the only book that combines all three. The book covers the historical origins, rise, life and fighting styles of each group. It is an excellent book. However, I may be a bit biased, because the main reason I bought this book was because I am descended from Viking (Norwegian) and Saxon (German) ancestors and this book explains how my ancestors lived, fought and died.

I read this book along with Game of Thrones. It talks about migrations and settlers really well. Also it has the usual concise information.

I use this for research. A lot of good info.

This book by Osprey does well in covering the three different warrior cultures of the Saxons, Vikings, and Normans. The pictures like all other Osprey titles are well detailed.

Excellent quick reference

Interesting but shallow treatment of some areas makes one interested in finding other sources.

This was the first title I picked up on the Dark Ages back in the early 80s. This must be the .3rd time I have bought it. Dark Ages are a period I always seem to come back to. And when I do I always pick up this book by Terry Wise. Though I know it back to front and sideways. It’s just a quick reference to s huge period. It’s a bit dated but I love it.

I purchased this for the artwork, as the text though, fine for its time is now inevitably out of date. However the plates were poorly reproduced - dull and lifeless. Online images of some of the artwork are preferable. I returned it.

These aren't kids books. However they have good illustrations, terse but meaty text, and proper credentials. A million miles away from the blooperfests normally served up to children.

The illustrations as important as the text

What I wanted