Description
Book SynopsisThrough runic inscriptions and behind the veil of myth, Jesch discovers the true story of viking women.
Trade ReviewWell-illustrated, closely argued and fascinating. * THE GUARDIAN *
A coherent, tangible and convincing picture of the age as a whole. * HISTORY *
This excellent study gives a thorough and learned survey of the subject of the title, assembling evidence from a wide range of sources. * SCANDINAVICA *
A fine example of the interdisciplinary nature of both viking and women's studies... the study demonstrates the author's mastery of an impressive array of linguistic and methodological tools. * JEGP (US) *
A lively and compelling book...the author's particular strengths lie in her study of literature. Judith Jesch has captured the spirit of Viking women. Her book is a fitting tribute to them. * MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Life and death - the evidence of archaeology: the Westness woman; the archaeology of burials; woman in her home environment. Part 2 Women's lives in runic texts: runic inscriptions; objects with runes; memorial stones. Part 3 Female colonists: the evidence of names; the settlement of Iceland. Part 4 Foreign views: international contact in the Viking age; visitors to Scandinavia; Viking women outside Scandinavia. Part 5 Art, myth and poetry: female figures in the art of the Viking age; sexuality, wisdom and heroism - female figures in Norse myth and legend; women in Skaldic poetry; the audience of Viking poetry. Part 6 Warrior woman to nun - looking back at Viking women: warrior women; Old Norse literature; women in the sagas of Icelanders.
