Hrsg. v. Graham-Campbell, James Unter a. v. Batey, Colleen ; Clarke, Helen ; Page, R. I. Aus dem Englischen von Kreutzer, Gert ; Kreutzer, Jens ( Bildatlas der Weltkulturen). Zahlr., tls. farb. Abb. und Ktn. 240 S.
Of outstanding value to both runologist and Anglo-Saxonist alike. EARLY
MEDIEVAL EUROPE Discussion of the forms of the runic alphabet and
interpretations of individual inscriptions, with consideration of wider
matters on which runes throw light magic, paganism and literacy.
There have been many books about the Vikings, but few that see them from their own point of view. Most accounts rely heavily on the records of prejudiced observers (who saw the Vikings only as savage raiders) or the archaeological record, which tells us much about their material culture but little about their values. This classic book reveals how the Vikings saw themselves: portrayed in their own writings or in the reports of people who knew them closely. Using a series of translations from primary sources including runic inscriptions, literary works, rare historical accounts and eye-witness reports, this book brings the Viking world to life.
In Orkney, Shetland and the Scottish Islands, in Ireland, the Isle of Man and above all in Scandinavia, travelers still come upon great memorial stones, inscribed with the curious angular alphabet called runes. This is the story of these inscriptions from the earliest Continental carvings of the late second century A.D. through to the Viking age.