Viking Warrior vs Anglo-Saxon Warrior

England 865–1066

Author: Gareth Williams and Peter Dennis Series: Combat

Paperback

An absorbing study of Viking and Anglo-Saxon warriors at three pivotal battles of the Early Medieval era - Ashdown, Maldon and Stamford Bridge - as they fought for control of pre-Norman England. It will appeal to any enthusiast of the Viking age or medieval warfare.

For two centuries the Vikings and their Anglo-Saxon foes fought for control of England, culminating in the battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. An acknowledged expert tells the story of the evolving struggle with particular emphasis on three key battles, casting new light on the two sides' tactics, weapons and performance on the battlefield.

New

$44.75

Or pay later with

Free 30 day returns Secure transaction

Check delivery options

Paperback

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

Description

In the two centuries before the Norman invasion of England, Anglo-Saxon and Viking forces clashed repeatedly in bloody battles across the country. Repeated Viking victories in the 9th century led to their settlement in the north of the country, but the tide of war ebbed and flowed until the final Anglo-Saxon victory before the Norman Conquest. Using stunning artwork, this book examines in detail three battles between the two deadly foes: Ashdown in 871 which involved the future Alfred the Great; Maldon in 991 where an Anglo-Saxon army sought to counter a renewed Viking threat; and Stamford Bridge in 1066, in which King Harold Godwinesson abandoned his preparations to repel the expected Norman invasion in order to fight off Harald Hard-Counsel of Norway.

Drawing upon historical accounts from both English and Scandinavian sources and from archaeological evidence, Gareth Williams presents a detailed comparison of the weaponry, tactics, strategies and underlying military organization of the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and considers the developments which took place on both sides in the two centuries of Viking incursions into Anglo-Saxon England.

Critic Reviews

“"This is also a great reference for the figure modeler for this era. The color plates provide a great depiction of the typical attire, as well as the weapons in use at the time. If you own one the previous releases in the Combat series, you know what you are getting. If this is your initial entry into this series, you will be quite pleased." - IPMS/USA”

"This is also a great reference for the figure modeler for this era. The color plates provide a great depiction of the typical attire, as well as the weapons in use at the time. If you own one the previous releases in the Combat series, you know what you are getting. If this is your initial entry into this series, you will be quite pleased." --IPMS/USA

About the Author

Gareth Williams has been a curator at the British Museum since 1996, specializing in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking periods. He has published extensively on both Anglo-Saxon and Viking warfare, and curated the exhibitions Vikings: Life and Legend at the British Museum and Viking Voyagers at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.

Peter Dennis was born in 1950. Inspired by contemporary magazines such as Look and Learn he studied illustration at Liverpool Art College. Peter has since contributed to hundreds of books, predominantly on historical subjects, including many Osprey titles. A keen wargamer and model maker, he is based in Nottinghamshire, UK.