Ivory Vikings

A medieval mystery surrounds the Lewis Chessmen - 92 ivory game pieces discovered in 1831 on Scotland's Isle of Lewis. Nancy Marie Brown investigates the origin of these artifacts through the lens of one possible creator: Margret the Adroit, a 12th-century Norse woman. The book traces the complex historical networks between medieval Iceland, Norway, Scotland, and other Norse territories during the time of the chessmen's creation. Brown reconstructs the world of medieval ivory carving, Norse saga literature, and the international trade routes that connected the North Atlantic communities. Following multiple investigative threads, the narrative examines archaeological evidence, medieval documents, and cultural practices to understand how such sophisticated artifacts came to be buried on a remote Scottish beach. The exploration encompasses Viking ships, walrus hunting, medieval chess strategy, and the role of women artisans in Norse society. The investigation reveals larger patterns about medieval craftsmanship, cultural exchange, and the intricate connections between art, commerce, and power in the Viking world. Through the story of the Lewis Chessmen, the book illuminates a pivotal period when the North Atlantic transformed from a Viking frontier into a center of European culture.

Readers consider this a detailed investigation into the Lewis Chessmen that balances academic research with accessible writing. Multiple reviewers note the book expands beyond the chessmen to explore medieval Norse culture, trade routes, and craftsmanship. Positive comments focus on: - Clear explanations of complex historical connections - Rich details about medieval Iceland and Norway - Strong research and extensive citations - Engaging narrative style that keeps reader interest Common criticisms: - Ventures too far from the core chess piece topic - Contains speculation presented as fact - Gets bogged down in genealogical details - Title misleads about the book's broad scope Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (182 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (83 ratings) One reader noted: "Expected a book about chess pieces, got a complete history of medieval Iceland instead." Another praised how it "brings medieval Norse culture to life through the lens of these remarkable artifacts."

The Far Traveler by Nancy Marie Brown The archeological and historical search for a Viking woman named Gudrid traces her path across the North Atlantic to North America through artifacts and sagas.

A History of the Vikings by ::Gwyn Jones This comprehensive examination of Viking civilization connects Norse mythology, archaeological findings, and historical records to present the Norse impact on Europe and beyond.

The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth The book draws from ship burials, rune stones, and international trade routes to reconstruct Viking daily life, commerce, and cultural practices.

Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price Archaeological discoveries combine with contemporary written records to reveal Viking society from birth to death, including ritual practices, gender roles, and warfare.

The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasking the Mystery by David H. Caldwell The story behind the medieval chess pieces found on the Isle of Lewis unfolds through medieval art history, Norse archaeology, and trade routes between Norway and Scotland.

🎲 The Lewis Chessmen, the book's central focus, were carved from walrus ivory in the 12th century and discovered in 1831 on Scotland's Isle of Lewis. 🏺 The author reveals evidence that a woman named Margret the Adroit, a master carver in Iceland, may have created these famous chess pieces. 👑 The chess pieces show remarkable details of medieval life, including bishops wearing their mitres backwards (to avoid confusion with the pointed-crowned queen pieces). 🌊 The Viking trade in walrus ivory was so valuable that it helped finance Norse exploration and settlement of Iceland and Greenland. 🎨 Each Lewis chess piece has distinct facial expressions and personality traits, from the worried-looking rooks (biting their shields in anxiety) to the fierce queens with their hands to their faces in horror.