Osprey Men-at-Arms 85 : Saxon, Viking and Norman

If there is one thing we can be sure of concerning the Saxons, Vikings and Normans who inhabited the medieval world, it is that they were a good deal more advanced than some writings would have us believe. Their womenfolk were extremely dexterous with needle and loom, their smiths and other craftsmen highly skilled at producing artefacts which we now have difficulty in reproducing to an equal standard. Like all 'barbarian' peoples, the Saxons and Vikings, particularly in the earlier migratory centuries, loved to display their wealth on their person in the form of rich clothing and exquisite metalwork: items were made to a high quality and were meant to last more than one man's lifetime. Terence Wise explores the history, organisation, clothing, equipment and weapons of Saxon, Viking and Norman peoples, covering wide-ranging topics such as Anglo-Saxon shields, Viking raiding ships and the organisation of Norman armies. Accompanied by numerous illustrations and museum photographs with commentaries, plus eight full page colour plates by Gerry Embleton.

Contents

• Introduction
• The Saxons
• The Vikings
• The Normans
• The Plates