Age of Wolf and Wind: Voyages through the Viking World

Davide Zori's book, Age of Wolf and Wind: Voyages through the Viking World, argues that recent advances in excavation and archaeological science, coupled with a re-evaluation of oral traditions and written sources, inspire the telling of new and engaging stories that further our understanding of the Viking Age. He proposes a balanced, interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, archaeology, and new scientific techniques to weave together these narratives. The book delves into key questions of the Viking Age, such as the motivations of Scandinavians to board open wooden ships to raid England or cross the North Atlantic in search of new worlds beyond Europe. Zori brings together written sources, archaeology, and the natural sciences to create an entanglement of confirmation, contradiction, and complementarity, resulting in a holistic picture of the Viking Age that is accessible to a general audience but offers new insights into current key issues of scholarly debate.

Format: Hardback
Length: 552 pages
Publication date: 26 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Vikings continue to captivate us with their captivating tales that resonate deeply with our universal yearning for exploration and adventure. In his book, "Age of Wolf and Wind: Voyages through the Viking World," author Davide Zori makes a compelling argument that recent advancements in excavation and archaeological science, coupled with a re-evaluation of oral traditions and written sources, have opened up new avenues for telling engaging and informative stories about the Viking Age. Drawing on his extensive fieldwork experience across the Viking world, Zori proposes a balanced, interdisciplinary approach that integrates history, archaeology, and cutting-edge scientific techniques to unravel the mysteries of this fascinating period.

The book delves into key questions of the Viking Age, such as the motivations behind Scandinavians' daring voyages to raid England or cross the treacherous North Atlantic in search of new lands beyond Europe. Each chapter presents fresh conclusions about the Vikings, shedding light on their beliefs about death, their raiding tactics, their lavish feasts, their establishment of powerful medieval states, and many other aspects of their culture. Zori skillfully weaves together written sources, archaeological evidence, and the natural sciences to create a rich tapestry of information. Through his dialogues between these three distinct data sets, he unravels an intricate web of confirmation, contradiction, and complementarity, offering a holistic picture of the Viking Age that is accessible to a broad audience while also providing valuable insights into current scholarly debates.

One of the remarkable aspects of Zori's approach is his commitment to presenting a balanced and critical treatment of the sources. He acknowledges the limitations and biases of each data set, allowing readers to form their own interpretations and conclusions. This nuanced approach fosters a deeper understanding of the Viking Age and encourages readers to engage with the material on their own terms.

Furthermore, Zori's book offers new perspectives on familiar narratives and sheds light on lesser-known aspects of Viking culture. By integrating historical, archaeological, and scientific evidence, he presents a comprehensive and multifaceted view of the Viking world, challenging preconceived notions and revealing new insights.

In conclusion, "Age of Wolf and Wind: Voyages through the Viking World" by Davide Zori is a groundbreaking work that has revolutionized our understanding of the Viking Age. Through his interdisciplinary approach and critical analysis of the sources, Zori has crafted a narrative that is both accessible and informative, offering fresh perspectives on this fascinating period of history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Vikings, history, or the pursuit of knowledge in general.

Weight: 900g
Dimension: 168 x 244 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190916060