Forgotten Vikings provides a chronological overview of the Viking Age (793–1066) and quite a lot of history either side of these arbitrary dates. Arbitrary? This book aims to explore the phenomenon of ‘the Vikings’ from new angles, forged out of recent academic breakthroughs largely unexplored in popular history books; the Viking Age viewed as a longer, discrete period from the sixth to the fifteenth centuries.

Focusing on lesser-known aspects of the period, Alex Harvey taps into more obscure regions of the world these people visited, more obscure characters, and more obscure cultural elements. Examples include the evidence for viking activity on the Azores and Madeira, thirteenth-century Baltic raids, and the presence of viking armies in the Netherlands long before they became a threat to England.

Offering unfamiliar perspectives, Forgotten Vikings will change the way you see these often misunderstood people, and unearth a forgotten history.

"'A fascinating and thought-provoking book that I'd strongly recommend to anyone with more than a passing interest in the Viking Age.'" - Undiscovered Scotland, 14th September 2024

"'Well illustrated and engagingly written, this publication offers an accessible and thought-provoking look at the Vikings as we understand them today.'" - Current Archaeology Magazine, November 2024

"'Forgotten Vikings is an enlightening read that goes down smoothly. The inclusion of illustrations throughout from Harvey himself also gives the book a very personal feel. He gets into the archaeological evidence to draw out the provable facts and debunk the common myths. This book is well worth diving into if you want to expand your Viking knowledge.'" - All About History Magazine, December 2024

"'There was more to them than the wanton bloodletting and the ensuing drinking songs about wanton bloodletting, and books like Forgotten Vikings helps us to remember that.'" - Open Letters Review, April 2025

"'Overall, Forgotten Vikings provides a good synthesis of the latest historical and archaeological research on the subject, woven together with the fundamental aspects of Norse mythology. It will be of greatest interest to readers who already have some familiarity with other regions or periods of medieval history but who would like learn more about the Vikings.'" - Medieval World Magazine, Summer 2025