Viking Weapons and Combat Techniques

Not a real "how to" manual for HEMA/ARMA or other European martial arts enthusiasts, but still a great read. As it pertains to the weapons and techniques, Short basically explains the various common Viking weapons, and talks about how they were likely used, drawing on martial arts research, historical data, and clues from the Norse sagas. Again, it is not presented as a fighting manual, so much as a discussion of the topic. What makes this book great is that along the way, you get exposed to a ton of Nordic history and culture, told through the lens of combat research. Well written, engaging read, I highly recommend.

A good read...but wish was longer and more detailed. Possibly a new addition with more detail and containing additional information.

This wonderful book fills the gap that has existed since the publication of Oakeshott's "The Archaeology of Weapons" and Davidson's "The Sword in Anglo-Saxon England." Synergistically combining the physical and literary evidence of the past with modern reconstruction and interpretation, the text brings the sagas to life while giving us a deeper understanding of how the Viking thought about and may have used the weapons of the day. The profuse & diverse illustrations bring out many subtle details of the artifacts that are typically not found outside of obscure archaeological reports and add a deeper context to the mix. A welcome addition to the Viking literature.

The book is well written by someone who has spent time in Iceland. Learning to read the old script, gleaning information buried in the old text. I met the author once at the Higgins Museum during one of their Viking Invasion weekends. He is knowledgeable and well spoken. This book is a must for anyone who has an interest in Viking marital arts.

Ok

A well researched, intelligent examination of likely Viking combat. Highly useful for authors or just anyone who shares an interest in this fascinating period. The only complaint, I would have preferred more sea-borne combat.

Got this for my 16 yr. old grandson to go along with the chain mail and coif I got him for his birthday.

I recently purchased this book. The best thing I can say about it is that it was good for a laugh. I have been doing Viking reenactment for eight years with steel weapons. By the looks of the shields, it's obvious they have never actually put any of their theories to the test. A few specifics should show the weakness of this book.The description of shields creates shields that are heavy, this makes them really slow. On page 39, they show their recommended fighting stance. The reaction time with this stance (especially with those big, heavy shields) would be too slow to prevent someone getting inside those shields and killing you.On page 41, he discusses fighting against a Dane Axe. He says, "Would a person be able to maintain a grip on the shield under the impact of a blow like this? Would bones break? What would be an appropriate follow-up attack? We hope that further research and experiments will answer some of these questions." Having been attacked at full strength from a Dane Axe, I can tell him the answers to these questions. Yes, you can maintain your grip, your bones don't break, the shock is absorbed by your elbow and the proper follow-up is to step in and kill him. His proper mode of research would be to ask someone who has actually fought against someone with a Dane Axe, not theorizing about it.On page 93, he shows a lunge with a spear. On a purely theoretical level, this may look like a good attack. In real life, it's terrible. Such an attack has no control, making it extremely easy to parry. There is also no power in it. Rather than an attack to highlight, this is an attack to avoid.This book shows the problems that are created when theories are not tested.

Brilliant book explains lots of techniques and the weapons used. A good read.

A gift for my father, who loves weapons and their history. Lots of information so plenty of interestinf facts to pick up.

Really nice as an extremely basic introduction to the subject.

fantastic book on Viking combat techniques, well written

comprehensive and informative