“As an archaeologist specializing in the Viking age, this excellent book gave me new perspectives on many things and opened my eyes to new interpretations. It’s an essential book to all people researching the Viking age, and to all people interested in that time period.”—Margrét Hrönn Hallmundsdóttir, archaeologist, Náttúrustofa Vestfjarða
(Westfjords Iceland Nature Research Centre)
“Neither a rehash of later medieval fight manuals or of fanciful stage combat, this new book provides a fresh and informed look at actual Viking-Age combat drawn from the Sagas and other contemporary writings, from surviving examples of arms and armour, and from active scientifically rigorous experimentation based upon that information conducted by skilled martial artists specifically focusing on Viking culture.”—Lee A. Jones, contributor, Swords of the Viking Age
“The authors’ research into the empty-hand combat of the Vikings has created new, deep, and insightful connections between the ancient combat and the modern sport of Iceland, glíma. Through a multi-layered investigation of all the available sources, the authors have created a comprehensive picture of the empty-hand combat of the Vikings. Their research has been so extensive, that I, as president of the Glíma association, have embraced it.”—Svana Hrönn Jóhannsdóttir, chairman, Iceland Wrestling Association (Glímusamband Íslands)
“I see many similarities between today's Special Operations warriors and these warriors of the past. Comradery, mindset, training and skill with various weapons, high speed modes of infiltration and contact with other peoples and cultures are just a few of these similarities. As I studied and researched with Hurstwic, I realized that this unique and diverse group was able to break barriers and cast-off preconceived beliefs and look for the unbiased truth.”—Robin D. Cooper, US Army Special Forces, retired