{"title":"Desmond Seward","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the compelling narratives crafted by \u003cem\u003eDesmond Seward\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinguished historian and author renowned for his vivid storytelling and meticulous research. With an impressive catalogue that spans centuries, Seward offers readers an insightful glimpse into the lives and events that have shaped history. His works often focus on biographies and memoirs, providing a deep dive into the personal stories behind historical figures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne notable addition to his collection is \u003cem\u003eThe Greatest Viking\u003c\/em\u003e, a thrilling exploration of legendary Norse warriors and their impact on history. Seward's ability to blend factual accuracy with engaging narratives makes his books a perfect read for history enthusiasts and casual readers alike, keen on gaining a richer understanding of the past.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you are fascinated by Viking sagas or curious about the intricacies of medieval Europe, Desmond Seward’s books will transport you to a time of epic battles and poignant human stories, all told with clarity and compelling detail.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-greatest-viking-by-desmond-seward-9781780277950","title":"The Greatest Viking","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA national hero in his native land, Olav Haraldsson has as much resonance for the Norwegians as King Arthur does for the British. Unlike Arthur, however, Olav was a real historical figure: a ruthless Viking warrior who named his axe after the Norse goddess of death and took part in Svein Forkbeard's invasion of England, during which he pulled down London Bridge and sacked Canterbury (and watched its archbishop stoned to death). Later, the loot amassed from years of plunder helped him win the throne of Norway.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet in a personal vendetta against the old Norse gods, Olav made Norway Christian, though cutting out the tongues and gouging out the eyes of anybody who remained pagan. Canonised after his death, his tomb became a national shrine, and churches were dedicated to him throughout Scandinavia and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith reference to Norse sagas and early chronicles, veteran historian Desmond Seward has written a vivid, colourful and insightful account of a remarkable man and the times in which he lived in \u003cem\u003eThe Greatest Viking\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeward's best work...a rollickingly, splendidly chronological history\u003c\/strong\u003e - \u003cem\u003eHerald\u003c\/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eThe King Over the Water\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46846298226924,"sku":"9781780277950","price":57.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23565913482821.jpg?v=1758907269"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/desmond-seward.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}