Advance Review of The Sea-King and the Sorceress by Neil Price
ISBN-139781541603073
Publication date: Oct 13, 2026 Basic Books
Neil Price’s very readable new book about what we call the Viking Age draws on information gleaned through the latest archaeological investigation and historical research, which in turn rest on scientific analysis of human remains, grave goods and funeral practices.
Using this information, Price brings to life a long-dead person’s environment and lifestyle. Tombs filled with daily goods such as bowls and combs reveal just as much as those filled with recognisable treasures. Referencing ancient sagas and rune stones, he also shows where the people we call Vikings travelled to, what they sought and sold, and how many, if not most, never went a’viking at all. Some were hunters, many were farmers, others went east and became Rus’ river-traders; some reached Constantinople and joined an elite Varangian unit.
Some women were merchants; one was a respected matriarch and leader; another was a sorceress. Each of these people had a complex, often very harsh life long ago. Price examines their values and beliefs and shows why imposing modern perceptions of ‘right’ behaviour on the past is meaningless. In each case, however, it is fascinating to see how similar they were to us, and how wildly strange.
As with the excellent Children of Ash and Elm, this is a must read for anyone who wants to know more about Scandinavia during the mis-named Dark and Middle Ages. Highly recommended.
J.G Harlond
Author of The Doomsong Saga: The Doomsong Sword, The Doomsong Voyage, The Doomsong Legend @PenmorePress
