Martial Arts researcher Antony Cummins reveals the hitherto hidden world
of Viking hand-to-hand combat, which employed the sword, the spear, the
axe and the shield. Based upon a careful analysis of the Viking sagas,
the techniques described are recreated precisely, from knocking down a
spear in mid-flight to the shield cleave. Illustrated with over 250
images, The Illustrated Guide to Viking Martial Arts in effect
represents the earliest combat manual in the world. This insight into
the warriors who were the scourge of Dark Age Europe is a feat of
textual interpretation - and imagination.