Magnus Magnusson

A vivid, comprehensive history of Scotland ranges from its earliest Stone Age settlers, through the influence of the many invaders--Romans, Picts, Vikings, and the English--on the country, to recent movements to promote Scottish independence from Britain, documenting the political, cultural, economic, and other forces that have shaped the nation. Reprint.

The Story of a Nation

Scotland

Hermann Pálsson

Written around 1245 by an unknown author, the Laxdaela Saga is an extraordinary tale of conflicting kinships and passionate love, and one of the most compelling works of Icelandic literature. Covering 150 years in the lives of the inhabitants of the community of Laxriverdale, the saga focuses primarily upon the story of Gudrun Osvif's-daughter: a proud, beautiful, vain and desirable figure, who is forced into an unhappy marriage and destroys the only man she has truly loved – her husband's best friend. A moving tale of murder and sacrifice, romance and regret, the Laxdaela Saga is also a fascinating insight into an era of radical change – a time when the Age of Chivalry was at its fullest flower in continental Europe, and the Christian faith was making its impact felt upon the Viking world.

Laxdaela Saga

Snorri Sturluson

This compelling Icelandic history describes the life of King Harald Hardradi, from his battles across Europe and Russia to his final assault on England in 1066, less than three weeks before the invasion of William the Conqueror. It was a battle that led to his death and marked the end of an era in which Europe had been dominated by the threat of Scandinavian forces. Despite England’s triumph, it also played a crucial part in fatally weakening the English army immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, changing the course of history. Taken from the Heimskringla – Snorri Sturluson’s complete account of Norway from prehistoric times to 1177 – this is a brilliantly human depiction of the turbulent life and savage death of the last great Norse warrior-king.

King Harald's Saga

The Vikings

As what is the painting La Gioconda better known? Upon which city is the original game of Monopoly based? Whose portrait is on the reverse side of current Bank of England £50 notes? From Magnus Magnusson, presenter of BBC's Mastermind for twenty-five years, comes the complete quiz book, perfect for both the serious contestant and for family fun. Echoing the television show's classic twin formula of specialist subjects and general knowledge, the book contains over one thousand carefully graded questions (together with the all-important answers). It offers a question list far superior to the usual stock pub quiz fodder. Many of the questions have been chosen for their unusual answers, or for the surprising stories behind them. The specialist subjects include topics of particular interest to Magnus, such as Norse Mythology and perfume; and for the most hardened of quiz enthusiasts, there are a smattering of old favourites from Mastermind itself.

Magnus Magnusson's Quiz Book

The Norse Discovery of America : Grænlendinga Saga and Eirik's Saga

The Vinland Sagas

Julian Glover

Sheila Mackie

In this attractively illustrated and scholarly biography, Dr. Spence critically appraises her life and outlook: her childhood days in the royal court (she witnessed the funeral of Queen Elizabeth I); her close association with the leading political, artistic and literary figures of the time after her marriage to Richard Sackville, Earl of Dorset; her tempestuous marriage with her second husband, Philip Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; and her struggle in later life to win the baronial titles and estates in the north of England of her famous father, George Clifford, Queen Elizabeth's champion.

Beowulf

Drawing on a great deal of modern scholarship that has redefined the nation's story, Magnusson vividly re-creates the long and fascinating story of Scotland, offering the most up-to-date and comprehensive history available today. 40 pages of photos.

Christine Moorcroft

Mary Seacole, 1805-1881

You passed on just the one.' Mastermind, the BBC television contest, has subjected more than 1,400 would-be Brains of Britain to its rapid-fire interrogation. But after 25 years, the programme was broadcast on television for the last time in September 1997. At its zenith Mastermind attracted 12 million viewers. Its winners - taxi drivers, diplomats and teachers - became national celebrities and the programme spawned an obsession with general knowledge, from Trivial Pursuit to pub quizzes. Its success has been due to a simple formula, the consistency of its standards and in large measure to the gravitas, courtesy and humour of its Icelandic-born question-master, Magnus Magnusson. His book of behind-the-scenes or in-the-chair anecdotes is a valedictory celebration of a much-loved programme. You have two minutes to buy this book, starting Now!

The Story of Mastermind

I've Started, So I'll Finish

Mastermind, the BBC television contest, has subjected more than 1,400 would-be Brains of Britain to its rapid-fire interrogation. But after 25 years, the program was broadcast on television for the last time in September 1997. Its winners—taxi drivers, diplomats and teachers—became national celebrities and the program spawned an obsession with general knowledge, from Trivial Pursuit to pub quizzes. Its success has been due to a simple formula, the consistency of its standards and in large measure to the gravitas, courtesy, and humor of its Icelandic-born question-master, Magnus Magnusson. His book of behind-the-scenes or in-the-chair anecdotes is a valedictory celebration of a much-loved program.

The Vikings hold a particular place in the history of the West, both symbolically and in the significant impact they had on Northern Europe. Magnus Magnusson's indispensable study of this great period presents a rounded and fascinating picture of a people who, in modern eyes, would seem to embody striking contradictions. They were undoubtedly pillagers, raiders and terrifying warriors, but they were also great pioneers, artists and traders - a dynamic people, whose skill and daring in their exploration of the world has left an indelible impression a thousand years on.

Magnus Magnusson relates the world-famous Icelandic sagas to the spectacular living landscapes of today, taking the reader on a literary tour of the mountains, valleys, and fjords where the heroes and heroines of the sagas lived out their eventful lives. He also tells the story of the first Viking settler, Ingolfur Anarson.

Iceland Saga

Vikings

Graham White

This is an illustrated study of the interdependence of the landscape, the wildlife and the people of Scotland. It begins with Scotland's violent birth, and retells tales of the early hunters who followed the retreating ice and the first farmers who cleared the land and began farming. The authors go on to discuss the implicit conflicts in the use of land today, and the state of the environment and the other forces which have transformed the landscape and wildlife today.

Magnus Magnusson

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