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Cat Jarman PhD
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River Kings: A Times Book of the Year 2021 Kindle Edition

by Cat Jarman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 1,681 ratings

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER & THE TIMES HISTORY BOOK OF 2021

'Astonishing and compelling' Bernard Cornwell

‘This superb book is like a classical symphony, perfectly composed and exquisitely performed’ THE TIMES Books of the Year

Follow bioarchaeologist Cat Jarman – and the cutting-edge forensic techniques central to her research – as she uncovers epic stories of the Viking age and follows a small ‘Carnelian’ bead found in a Viking grave in Derbyshire to its origins thousands of miles to the east in Gujarat.

‘This superb book is like a classical symphony, perfectly composed and exquisitely performed’ THE TIMES Books of the Year

Dr Cat Jarman is a bioarchaeologist, specialising in forensic techniques to research the paths of Vikings who came to rest in British soil. By examining teeth that are now over one thousand years old, she can determine childhood diet, and thereby where a person was likely born. With radiocarbon dating, she can ascertain a death date down to the range of a few years. And her research offers new visions of the likely roles of women and children in Viking culture.

In 2017, a carnelian bead came into her temporary possession. River Kings sees her trace its path back to eighth-century Baghdad and India, discovering along the way that the Vikings’ route was far more varied than we might think, that with them came people from the Middle East, not just Scandinavia, and that the reason for this unexpected integration between the Eastern and Western worlds may well have been a slave trade running through the Silk Road, and all the way to Britain.

Told as a riveting story of the Vikings and the methods we use to understand them, this is a major reassessment of the fierce, often-mythologised voyagers of the north, and of the global medieval world as we know it.

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  1. Print length
    346 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    William Collins
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 18, 2021
  6. File size
    5.9 MB
  7. Page Flip
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  8. Word Wise
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  1. Throughout the late ninth and tenth centuries, a relentless hunger for silver fuelled much of the Vikings’ expansion.
    Highlighted by 58 Kindle readers
  2. Another profitable part of the operation was obtaining and selling slaves. Here the success of the venture was so great that the very name of the people captured – the Slavs – has given rise to the word slave.
    Highlighted by 54 Kindle readers
  3. According to the traditional narrative, the Viking Age began when a band of Vikings attacked the wealthy monastery at Lindisfarne in Northumbria on 8 June 793.
    Highlighted by 41 Kindle readers
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Will cast a spell on any reader who enjoys their history well-written and clearly argued. Replete with witches, human sacrifice, Greek fire and funeral orgies. One of the most thrilling works of archaeological detective work I have ever read.” ― William Dalrymple, Financial Times

“While opening up the eastern Viking Age to a general audience, Jarman also inducts the reader into the range and wealth of evidence with which Viking scholars grapple. A rich tale of discovery.” ― The Times Literary Supplement

"Starting with an enigmatic carnelian bead, Cat Jarman reveals how her own research has contributed to a completely new understanding of the Vikings. A brilliantly, beautifully told story.” -- Alice Roberts, author, anthropologist, and television presenter

"An extraordinarily imaginative conjuring of the Viking world. This is not archaeology as dry stones and bones, but as the lived lives of the people of the past brought to life with verve, style and sympathetic imagination. Beautifully written. You’ll never see the Viking Age in the same way again.” -- Michael Wood, historian and author

"A bead was discovered in a Viking warrior’s grave, and that discovery led Cat Jarman on an amazing journey which is described in this extraordinary story. That bead, in Cat Jarman’s hands, taught me more about the Vikings than a score of history books. River Kings is an astonishing and compelling triumph!" -- Bernard Cornwell, New York Times bestselling author

"A masterly history. River Kings is a mystery and an adventure, the tale of a quest that took Cat Jarman from Repton to Scandinavia, across the Baltic Sea, over to Baghdad and finally to India. I was held captive. In addition to being a wonderful writer, Jarman is a skilled bioarchaeologist. River Kings is like a classical symphony, perfectly composed and exquisitely performed. Tiny trills of detail give way to pounding drums of drama.” ― The Times (London)

"Cat Jarman will transform the way you think about the Vikings." -- Dan Snow, historian and television presenter

"A thrilling read. Illuminates Viking culture in an utterly intriguing new light.” -- Charles Spencer, author and historian

About the Author

Cat Jarman, PhD, is a bioarcheologist and field archaeologist specializing in the Viking Age and Viking women. She uses forensic techniques like isotope analysis, carbon dating, and DNA analysis on human remains to untangle the experiences of past people from broader historical narratives. Dr. Jarman has contributed to numerous television documentaries as both an on-screen expert and historical consultant, including programs for the BBC, History Chanel, Discovery, among others. She lives in Britain.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0842D1PHJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Collins
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 18, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 346 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0008353094
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 1,681 ratings

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,681 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's depth of research, with one review noting its comprehensive coverage across multiple disciplines. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, with one customer describing it as a mystery story. Additionally, customers appreciate the historical content, particularly the interesting advances in knowledge about Viking life.

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16 customers mention "Depth of research"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the depth of research in the book, finding it amazingly detailed and very informative, with one customer noting how it incorporates facts from many different disciplines.

"...All the reviews in and on the book are spot on. Perfect for anyone wanting to know what came before the Viking explosion of the west." Read more

"...even though viking age history has many books on it, she brings relevant insight and data that I found helpful." Read more

"...a medieval viking burial site in england, the author takes the reader on a breathtaking journey of how modern science can tease incredible levels of..." Read more

"Absolutely fascinating account blending history archaeology and science. Riveting. Every page filled with easily understood research...." Read more

12 customers mention "Readability"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one customer noting it's written like a mystery story.

"...All the reviews in and on the book are spot on. Perfect for anyone wanting to know what came before the Viking explosion of the west." Read more

"...The book is based on archeological research but it is easy to read and explains clearly how the VIKINGS tráveled and traded from Scandinavia to..." Read more

"...a bit in the middle of the book, the author's simple but detailed storying telling held throughout. A good read." Read more

"Easy read and an interesting topic, however, too much it could be this or that...." Read more

9 customers mention "Viking history"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical content of the book, with several noting interesting advances in knowledge about Viking life, and one customer highlighting its excellent coverage of their trading activities.

"...on archeological research but it is easy to read and explains clearly how the VIKINGS tráveled and traded from Scandinavia to Bizantium, linking..." Read more

"Interesting updates on Viking history and global reach. From the Winter Camps in England to the far east" Read more

"Great background on the Viking/ Scandinavian presence in Europe. Was marketed as “telling the story”...." Read more

"...This answered all my questions about Rus Vikings and their beginning." Read more

Good book but publishing issues
3 out of 5 stars
Good book but publishing issues
The book is very good but in the paperback, the first 20 pages are out of order.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Dani
    5.0 out of 5 stars “I couldn’t put it down”
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This book was fantastic and I couldn’t put it down. I was a bit sad that it ended. Looking forward to anything Cat puts out. All the reviews in and on the book are spot on. Perfect for anyone wanting to know what came before the Viking explosion of the west.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • K. Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Updated Look at the Vikings
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Dr. Jar man does a good job of looking at the movement of the Vikings from multiple perspectives, e.g. trade goods, disease, as well as weaponry.
    Helpful
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  • Lewis Bennington
    4.0 out of 5 stars Adds new info
    Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Glad I bought this book. The reviews on the cover are hype in my opinion and unneeded. They set the reader with expectations and claims the author does not make. This author clearly knows her field quite well, and even though viking age history has many books on it, she brings relevant insight and data that I found helpful.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Juan Pablo Nicholls
    5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK ON THE VIKINGS IN THE EAST
    Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Excelente book by a great British historian. Based on archeological finds the author explains how the VIKINGS traded goods with the EAST through the Rivers in Russia and Ukraine and the Black sea. The book is based on archeological research but it is easy to read and explains clearly how the VIKINGS tráveled and traded from Scandinavia to Bizantium, linking Europea with the Silk Road.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Kurt
    5.0 out of 5 stars this is a great example of the marriage of modern science and history
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    researching a medieval viking burial site in england, the author takes the reader on a breathtaking journey of how modern science can tease incredible levels of information from the simplest things. DNA can reveal ancestry and relationships, teeth reveal childhood locations and diet, isotope analysis reveals the origin of gemstones and hidden trade routes. expertly told by a top researcher, this is accessible to the non-academic. if you are interested in viking culture and history, or in general how science in revolutionizing ancient and medieval history, this is a must read......
    15 people found this helpful
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  • Discerning Reader and Buyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars easily reading with deep research
    Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely fascinating account blending history archaeology and science. Riveting. Every page filled with easily understood research. Will re-read and recommend to all.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • hiker1
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent coverage of Viking's forays to the east
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Well written book exploring the trade and influences of the Vikings into Eastern Europe and Middle East. Based on some of the authors research on how and when the Vikings became a factor in establishing trade routes and alliances in the east.

    Although the book bogged down a bit in the middle of the book, the author's simple but detailed storying telling held throughout.

    A good read.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Easy read, too much back and forth
    Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Easy read and an interesting topic, however, too much it could be this or that. While I completed the book and gleaned some new insights into the Viking's travels to the East, the book could have been shorter.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Vera
    5.0 out of 5 stars River Kings
    Reviewed in Canada on July 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Well documented and entertaining
    Report
  • markb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Rethinking the Vikings.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Drawing on the latest findings from archaeology and forensic science, Jarman offers readers a comprehensive account of Viking history covering their activities over several centuries from Derbyshire to Baghdad. Readers interested in this topic will already be aware of Viking raiding in the British Isles but Jarman directs our attention east to their settlements in present day Ukraine; their mercenary service for the Byzantine empire; and to their key role trading precious artefacts along the Silk Road. The Vikings were a truly globalised people with sinews stretching from their Scandinavian homelands across the known world. Clearly, they were innovative maritime engineers and shipbuilders but Jarman also highlights their achievements as craftsmen and artists. She offers fascinating insights, challenging conventional stereotypes. For example, women journeyed on Viking voyages not merely as handmaidens, but also as warriors who could be as feared as their men for their prowess in pillaging and looting. Some women too were rulers with significant power and status.
    This book is a detailed, thoroughly well written, history of the Vikings and their era. It will surely be essential reading for anyone interested in understanding their impact on the development of Europe and beyond.
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  • Katrina Wood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well reasoned and persuasive
    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    As an avid reader in the 'Viking' genre and a historical fiction writer, I would consider this essential reading.
    Straying almost completely away from the long retold 'raiding' (vikingr) escapades in the west, this book details the cultural impacts of the East on the trading Scandanavians. Though, in truth, they were one and the same.

    Well structured, easy and enjoyable to read focussed on new (isotope anayasis) technological developments that help us understand evidence found through archeological digs.
    Customer image
    Katrina Wood
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Well reasoned and persuasive

    Reviewed in Australia on July 4, 2022
    As an avid reader in the 'Viking' genre and a historical fiction writer, I would consider this essential reading.
    Straying almost completely away from the long retold 'raiding' (vikingr) escapades in the west, this book details the cultural impacts of the East on the trading Scandanavians. Though, in truth, they were one and the same.

    Well structured, easy and enjoyable to read focussed on new (isotope anayasis) technological developments that help us understand evidence found through archeological digs.
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  • wilb
    5.0 out of 5 stars Zu empfehlen
    Reviewed in Germany on December 19, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Ein kleines Fundstück, welches eine große Geschichte beschreibt. Informativ und anregend. Das Buch regt dazu an sich mit dem ostskandinavischen Raum zu beschäftigen. Mir hat es einige "aha"-Momente beschert.
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  • Sugawara Michizane
    2.0 out of 5 stars Quite informative, badly written
    Reviewed in Germany on July 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The author might be a good archaeologist, but she is not a great writer. There are sentences in this book that are so badly written that you have to read them five times, paragraphs that go by without any purpose other than to fill the page, weird leaps in logic, and more and more speculation the further east her confused narrative goes. I would prefer a wikipedia style summary of the actually quite interesting archaeological findings described here over this. First book in a long time that had me constantly check how many pages were left.
    Report

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