Editorial Review

This concise biography of Eriksson and history of Viking exploration and discovery presents the most popular current version of events. The authors minimize the role of Vikings as berserkers, emphasizing instead their settlements, civic organization, and family life. Enough background is provided to place the events in world history. The writing is clear, although there is some fictionalizing of emotions and thoughts, which adds a touch of color to the story. Full-page inserts between chapters highlight specific information, such as ‘Erik the Red’ and ‘Scandinavian Names.’ The color illustrations include archival art and photos of the beautiful landscape, artifacts, and archaeological remains. Readers wishing to follow up on the settlements will enjoy Matti A. Pitkanen and Reijo Harkonen’s The Grandchildren of the Vikings (Carolrhoda, 1995). This new book will be heavily used by report writers and enjoyed by nonfiction readers.