"This exciting addition to Shirley Glubok's acclaimed "Art of . . ." series brings to life the Viking Age, the period from about 800 to 1050 A.D. when Norse adventurers from Scandinavia sailed their dragon-prowed longships throughout the known world, trading, raiding, exploring and settling. They went as far as North Africa and Constantinople, and landed in North America before Columbus.

Clearly written and lavishly illustrated, this handsome volume re-creates this fascinating period by relating Viking art to the history, mythology, religion and daily life of the Scandinavian people.

Included among the striking photographs are works of art that had been buried in the earth for centuries: ships that are masterpieces of wood carving, magnificent swords and other weapons, helmets, jewelry, coins, statues of Norse gods and household goods.

From the dust jacket