The Long Ships - A Saga Of The Viking Age
by Frans Gunnar Bengtsson · first published 1954
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
Humorous, episodic Viking adventure novel that captures everyday life and attitudes of the era. Its wit and refusal to moralize stand out, and it is a fond classic for adventure fiction fans.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
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"The Long Ships" by Frans G. Bengtsson. It's a wonderful, humorous adventure tale about the life of a viking. I'd also just suggest you browse the New York Review Books collection. They put a lot of effort into reviving…
on “Ask HN: What are some great books that are relatively unknown in the US?” ↗…ensure stability and the continuation of the family estate was to grant inheritance rights to the women who stayed home. For those interested in a classic adventure novel set in that era, I recommend "The Long Ships" by Frans Bengtsson. The latest edition's foreword is written by Michael Chabon.
on “Why are adult daughters missing from ancient German cemeteries?” ↗Röde Orm / The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Ships I guess it's a swedish favourite, a viking historical fiction / adventure novel. Fond memories since I was a teenager. I have only…
on “Ask HN: Which book would you pick to re-read for the rest of your life?” ↗I'm presently nearly done reading (fiction) The Long Ships about this region 1022 years ago. I'm enjoying seeing how cultural attitudes that took root in the transition from a bunch of guys doing whatever they wanted, and everyone can be a king as long as they…
on “The only way of being anonymous in Sweden is illegal?” ↗And don't forget The Long Ships [1] which is another book about this period. [1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Ships
on “Ring brings Viking, Islamic civilizations closer together” ↗What I enjoyed about the Long Ships is how the author avoided moral handholding and let the reader make their own appreciation of it. Interestingly, the contrast highlights the concept of master vs. slave morality pretty well. The Vikings…
on “The only way of being anonymous in Sweden is illegal?” ↗Just reread this[0] classic piece that captures Viking life. It holds up so well. [0] https://www.amazon.com/Long-Ships-Review-Books-Classics/dp/1...
on “England Runestones” ↗