An Unofficial 'The Rest Is History' Reading List

149. The Birth of Russia

February 08, 2022

Description

In the second of two episodes on the Vikings in the East, Tom and Dominic investigate their role in the birth of Russia. Producer: Dom Johnson Exec Producer: Jack Davenport Join The Rest Is...
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Books Referenced

Laughing Shall I Die: Lives and Deaths of the Great Vikings

Author: Tom Shippey

Context:

Referenced as 'his book about the Vikings' - Tom Shippey's book is cited for calling Rollo by the name 'Ganga Rolf' instead of Rollo

Russian Primary Chronicle

Author: Nestor

Context:

Described as a historical chronicle written by a monk called Nestor, serving as the primary source for early Rus history including the story of Rurik and the founding of Kiev

The Gates of Europe: A History of Ukraine

Author: Sergei Ploky

Context:

Referenced as 'Sergei Ploky's book on the history of Ukraine' - cited for using the Ukrainian spelling 'Volodymyr' rather than the Russian 'Vladimir'

The Eaters of the Dead

Author: Michael Crichton

Context:

Referenced as a book featuring Ibn Fadlan as a character, later adapted into the film 'The 13th Warrior' - hosts couldn't remember exact title, calling it 'The Death Eaters' or 'The Eaters of Light'

Blood Feud

Author: Rosemary Sutcliffe

Context:

Mentioned as having written about Vikings in the East, though no specific title given

The Road to Miklagard

Author: Henry Treece

Context:

Referenced as an example of fiction about Vikings traveling to Constantinople (Miklagard), mentioned as part of discussion about the topic's appeal for adventure stories