Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

The Discovery of America by the Northmen, 985-1015   By: (1816-1906)

Book cover

In "The Discovery of America by the Northmen, 985-1015," author Edmund F. Slafter provides a captivating account of an often-overlooked chapter in history: the Viking exploration of North America. Slafter meticulously examines the Norse sagas, historical records, archaeological evidence, and linguistic research to convincingly argue for the presence of Norse voyagers on the shores of North America, several centuries before Columbus.

One of the strengths of this book is the author's dedication to presenting a balanced narrative. Slafter emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing available sources, evaluating their credibility, and acknowledging the biases that can cloud historical interpretation. He expertly separates fact from fiction, guiding readers through an intricate web of ancient tales while maintaining a measured approach.

Slafter's writing style is both engaging and informative, making it accessible to both casual readers and scholarly enthusiasts. He effortlessly combines storytelling with detailed analysis, bringing to life the characters and events that compose the Norse sagas. Furthermore, he contextualizes the Northmen's exploration within the wider Viking Age, explaining the motivations and cultural influences behind these daring voyages.

The depth of research undertaken by Slafter is commendable. His thoroughness in examining archaeological findings, from the L'Anse aux Meadows settlement to linguistic connections between Old Norse and indigenous languages, provides a solid foundation for his argument. However, it is worth noting that the book was originally published in 1879, and some of the research may have been superseded by more recent findings.

One minor drawback of the book is that at times it can become overly technical, especially in discussions regarding linguistic analysis and archaeological terminology. This could potentially deter some readers who are more interested in the compelling story of Viking exploration rather than the intricacies of research methodology.

Overall, "The Discovery of America by the Northmen, 985-1015" offers an insightful and compelling account of Norse exploration in North America. Slafter's attention to detail, rigorous research, and ability to navigate complex historical narratives make this book an invaluable resource for both academics and enthusiasts alike. This work contributes significantly to expanding our understanding of the early exploration of America and the remarkable journeys of the Northmen.

First Page:

NORTHMEN IN AMERICA.

985 1015.

THE

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA

BY THE

NORTHMEN.

985 1015.

A DISCOURSE DELIVERED BEFORE THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, APRIL 24, 1888.

BY THE REV. EDMUND F. SLAFTER, D. D.,

A CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY, HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN, ETC., ETC.

CONCORD, N. H.:

PRIVATELY PRINTED.

1891.

REPRINTED FROM THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE NEW HAMPSHIRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

DISCOURSE.

On the 29th day of October, 1887, a statue erected to the memory of Leif, the son of Erik, the discoverer of America, was unveiled in the city of Boston, in the presence of a large assembly of citizens. The statue is of bronze, a little larger than life size, and represents the explorer standing upon the prow of his ship, shading his eyes with his hand, and gazing towards the west. This monument[1] suggests the subject to which I wish to call your attention, viz., the story of the discovery of this continent by the Scandinavians nearly nine hundred years ago.

I must here ask your indulgence for the statement of a few preliminary historical facts in order that we may have a clear understanding of this discovery.

About the middle of the ninth century, Harald Haarfager, or the fair haired, came to the throne of Norway... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books