The New History of Orkney
The New History of Orkney

Author: William P. l. Thompson

Publisher: Origin

Published: 2019-03-07

Total Pages:

ISBN-13: 9781912476459

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For much of its history, Orkney had its own language, culture and institutions. The prehistoric inhabitants created monuments which are unmatched anywhere in Europe, and the medieval period saw the magnificent earldom that expressed itself through the Orkneyinga Saga and the building of St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall. Like Shetland, Orkney was heavily influenced by Viking traders and raiders from Scandinavia, and for a long period it formed an outlying part of the kingdom of Norway.Over 500 years ago, however, the islands lost their Scandinavian links and since then have had a sometimes difficult association with mainland Scotland. More recent times have seen the use of Orkney as a strategic stronghold during two world wars, and the far-reaching impact of oil and gas exploitation in the North Sea. This classic book covers the whole fascinating story and will be of interest to readers far beyond the rocky shores of Orkney itself.

A Brief History of the Orkneys
A Brief History of the Orkneys

Author: J. N. Sinclair

Publisher:

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 170

ISBN-13:

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A study of the Orkneys, a group of islands with a remarkable and often turbulent past. Numerous archaeological remains bear testimony to their colourful history, and descriptions of such treasures help illuminate this tour through the centuries, from the Stone Age up to the present day. Much space is devoted to the influence of the Norsemen, whose conquest of the Orkneys and lengthy domination played a large part in shaping the culture and identity of the islands before they were ceded to Scotland in the 15th century. More recently, the Orkneys were again heavily involved in military intrigue, and the author gives a comprehensive picture of the islands' role in the two world wars.

Orkneyinga Saga
Orkneyinga Saga

Author:

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 1981-07-30

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780140443837

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Written around AD 1200 by an unnamed Icelandic author, the Orkneyinga Saga is an intriguing fusion of myth, legend and history. The only medieval chronicle to have Orkney as the central place of action, it tells of an era when the islands were still part of the Viking world, beginning with their conquest by the kings of Norway in the ninth century. The saga describes the subsequent history of the Earldom of Orkney and the adventures of great Norsemen such as Sigurd the Powerful, St Magnus the Martyr and Hrolf, the conqueror of Normandy. Savagely powerful and poetic, this is a fascinating depiction of an age of brutal battles, murder, sorcery and bitter family feuds. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Natural History of Orkney (Collins New Naturalist Library, Book 70)
The Natural History of Orkney (Collins New Naturalist Library, Book 70)

Author: R. J. Berry

Publisher: HarperCollins UK

Published: 2012-08-30

Total Pages: 498

ISBN-13: 0007406584

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This is the first survey of the islands' natural history, complete in one volume. Because Orkney is exceptional, it is vital reading for the serious naturalist, as well as for being a comprehensive and absorbing guide for every visitor. This edition is exclusive to newnaturalists.com