The Viking Wars by Max Adams – Paperback, 512 Pages
War and Peace in King Alfred’s Britain: 789–955
In The Viking Wars, acclaimed historian Max Adams explores the turbulent era between the first Scandinavian raids on Britain in 789 and the final expulsion of the Vikings from York in 954. This sweeping narrative traces the rise of Viking power and the transformation of Britain’s fragmented kingdoms into resilient, hybrid cultures forged in the crucible of war.
Beginning with the arrival of the Great Heathen Army in 865, Adams chronicles a century of conflict, adaptation, and cultural fusion. While Alfred the Great is often cast as the central figure of this period, Adams offers a more nuanced view—highlighting the regional diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the peoples who responded to the Viking threat with innovation, resilience, and identity-building.
Key Themes:
- The evolution of Britain’s kingdoms under Viking pressure
- The military and political genius of Alfred the Great
- The cultural blending of Norse and Anglo-Saxon societies
- The role of regional leaders and lesser-known figures in shaping history
Product Details:
- Author: Max Adams
- Format: Paperback
- Pages: 512
- Publisher: Pegasus Books
- ISBN: 9781643132549
- Dimensions: 5.4" x 8.2" x 1.5"
- Publication Date: December 10, 2019
Why It’s Essential:
This is not just a tale of Viking invaders versus English defenders—it's a richly detailed portrait of a formative era, where war, diplomacy, and cultural exchange laid the groundwork for modern Britain. Adams’s storytelling is both scholarly and accessible, making this a must-read for fans of Viking history, early medieval Britain, and epic historical narratives.
