Swords of the Viking Age

by Ian Peirce and Ewart Oakeshott (Introduction)

Representative examples of swords from 8th-11th century, fully described and illustrated, with general overview.

This beautifully illustrated work fills a gap in English literature on the swords made and used in northern Europe during the Viking age, between the mid-eighth and the mid-eleventh centuries. Ewart Oakeshott outlines the significance and diversity of these ancient heirlooms; co-author Ian Peirce, who handled hundreds of swords in his research for this book in museums across northern Europe, selects and describes sixty of the finest representative weapons. Where possible, full-length photographs are included, in addition to illustrations of detail; an illustrated overview of blade types and construction, pattern-welding, inscription and handle forms and their classification prefaces the catalogue of examples which is the principal part of this work.

Paperback. 176 pages.