The Icelandic Canadian - 01.02.2007, Síða 45

Vol. 60 #4
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
171
Pagan values and Christian values often
overlap in the transition during this period
in history. Both of Emma’s husbands had
other accepted wives and children, and
incest seems to have been tolerated in order
to produce an heir. "Sex was unlicensed
and marriage existed principally for mak-
ing alliances," says O’Brien. The accounts
of the magnificent beauty of the Viking
ships and the detailed descriptions of how
they were constructed, along with the
graphic accounts of the slaughters and tor-
tures carried on in the Dark Ages cannot
help but engage even the most casual read-
er.
Emma commissioned a monk to write
her life story, probably to ensure the rights
of her sons to the throne. One copy
remains in the London Museum. The
colour plate pages reproduced in this book
are not only beautiful but are a useful
source to understanding Emma.
A comprehensive list and detailed
account of all the main characters in the
book and the extensive genealogical charts
are a great help to the reader, as the names
are confusing, hard to pronounce and are
often repeated. A pronunciation chart for
names such as Aelgifu and Harthacnut may
have made reading the book a little easier.
The chronology, index and reference notes
at the end of the book are invaluable.
O’Brien tells Emma’s story very well with
a blend of documented facts and specula-
tion which she backs up with historical
knowledge. She gives an excellent picture
of life in England during the Dark Ages.
We learn about the ceremonies, treasures,
hierarchy of the Church, food, clothing,
child rearing and education. This book is a
rewarding read dealing with a complicated
period in history.
This is British author Harriet
O’Brien’s second book. Her first book,
Forgotten Land: A Rediscovery of Burma,
won the Yorkshire Post Best First Work
Award in 1991.
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