Viking: The Norse Warrior's [Unofficial] Manual Hardcover – June 1, 2013

This book is a lot of fun. I have read a lot of historical non-fiction about viking age Scandanavia so I can say the information is mostly accurate, though oversimplified. Doesn't matter, the perspective and writing style still made this a fun, lite read. If you are interested at all in anything Viking, Medieval, or just want something that's a good read go for this book.

This somewhat humorously- and whimsically-written book remains, at its core, factual and honest. This is full of helpful tips which most of us aren't thinking of placing into action, but some of it is pretty good advice anyway. (Start your morning bathed, fed, and combed, as you never know where you'll be by day's end!) Solid advice is often accompanied by pictures or illustrations, such as the shot of the beautifully carved Viking comb, suitable for removing any pesky nits, which can bring down any warrior careless enough not to employ it. Where to go, what to do, how to move up to a higher status. . .it's all here. Anyone whose ancestry includes these fearsome seafarers will find the whole book fascinating!

Along the lines of 'How To Be A Gladiator', 'Viking The Norse Warrior's Manual' is an interesting, informative and entertaining look at how one may aspire to the ranks of the Viking warrior and come home loaded with gold and other goodies. The book covers the different ranks of a warrior, weaponry, some famous Vikings of legend and just how far the warriors actually spread. The book is informative and entertaining, the only minor flaw is that compared to the 'Gladiator' and 'Legionnaire's' books, the book is lacking somewhat in the way of information and as an e-book, the formatting while reading can be a little off-setting. If you wish to be a Viking and come home loaded with gold, add this book to your collection and start working on your swordwork.

Entertaining & informative.

A quick reading, introduction to viking life... not a lot of depth, but well done. The author does point out the fact that viking is a career, not a people - that it is a particular name used for Scandinavian raiders/pirates of the late dark ages early middle ages. This book is a very good overview of the life.

Compared to the present, life was really horrible in the 8th century. From the photos in the book one can make out that Viking swords lack the craftsmanship and sophistication of the samurai swords(katana). It was a life of hostility, hardship, hunger and pain from the cradle to the grave. It is wonderful to read about such things in the comfort of the 21st century.

My bf has been recently fascinated with Vikings (probably from watching the show "Vikings") so I got this book as a birthday present. He is really enjoying reading it and says that it is a nice mixture of historical accuracy (the author really did his homework) with just the right smidgen of humor. It's a fun read.

Great guide for any aspiring Viking warrior or enthusiast of that fascinating period in history. My only knock is that it was too short - I wanted to keep reading! I look forward to reading Mr. Haywood's other manuals. - Eric Schumacher, author of God's Hammer.

This is an excellent book. Haywood wears his considerable scholarship lightly and speaks directly to his reader in a witty, informative fashion that avoids coarse stereotypes and clichés. The intriguing device of writing a manual for aspiring Vikings works extremely well in Haywood's deft hands. Perhaps his greatest achievement is to have written a book that can be appreciated by both beginners and old-hands in Viking history. I thoroughly enjoyed it and warmly recommend it.

Got this for the Viking in my Life - he loves it! It is written with a humorous bent, but is packed with historical facts and has some excellent pictures too.

This is one of a series looking at the "career prospects "of warrior in history.I have read a lot of books about Vikings over the years and this one puts its information over in a very entertaining manner.Plus the writer is a local man.

An unusual take on the Vikings. It is best to know something about the Vikings to fully appreciate this book - but I loved it.

This is almost as good as the similar book about the Roman soldier - 'Legionary'. Interesting facts, figures and explanations in a relaxed style.