Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings

A thoughtful and in depth history that also managed to be readable and fairly entertaining. The author does an excellent job giving us insight into the mindset of Vikings, what the world looked like to them and how they understood their role in it. Lots of excellent grounding in archaeology research, including some very recent new information. But not too scholarly or dry, all in service of a good story. Just great writing all around.