Looking For a Good Book

Due in large part to my Scandinavian heritage and growing up in Minnesota, I have been fascinated with the story of the Vikings in North America. Most people are familiar with Leif Erikson’s voyage to Vinland, but how much farther did Norse influence reach? In American Vikings, Martyn Whittock explores not only what we know about Viking exploration of North America, but also the many theories, legends, and controversies that have grown up around the subject.

Whittock begins with the historical evidence surrounding the Norse settlements in Greenland and the archaeological discoveries at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, reminding the us that Viking exploration of the New World is no longer a matter of speculation but an accepted part of history. But even with this knowledge, there is still much debate as to the extent of the Vikings’ reach. The book examines runestones, disputed artifacts, medieval sagas, Native American encounters, and the sometimes outlandish claims that have attempted to extend Viking influence throughout the North American continent.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Whittock’s willingness to separate evidence from speculation. Rather than sensationalizing questionable discoveries, he carefully explains why some claims have been accepted by historians while others remain doubtful or have been thoroughly discredited. 

Unfortunately, the book never quite develops any momentum. We get a lot of theories and are presented with some interesting speculation. As a Minnesotan, I’ve been familiar with the Kensington Runestone and the debate around it. The others mentioned here were new to me. But the information is presented rather flatly which makes for slower reading than I had expected. There were times when I found myself wishing for more narrative storytelling and less cataloging of competing theories.

I’m not sure who this book is for. Readers already familiar with Viking history may find some of the introductory material overly basic, while newcomers could become bogged down by the sheer number of fringe theories and scholarly debates. Whittock clearly knows his subject, but the presentation occasionally lacks the engaging flow that would keep a general audience fully invested.

Still, I came away with a greater appreciation for just how much—and how little—we actually know about the Vikings in North America. Whittock succeeds in showing that the genuine history is often more interesting than the myths, even if separating fact from fiction isn’t always the most exciting reading experience.

Looking for a good book? American Vikings, by Martyn Whittock, is a solid, well-researched history that values evidence over sensationalism. Readers with a particular interest in Viking exploration or historical archaeology will likely enjoy it. For me, however, while I appreciated the scholarship throughout, the pacing and organization kept it from becoming a truly memorable read.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review.

3-1/2 stars (rounded down)

* * * * * * 

American Vikings

author: Martyn Whittock

publisher:Pegasus Books

ISBN: 9781639365357

hardcover, 272 pages