The Normans: A History of Conquest    by Trevor Rowley Order:  USA  Can Pegasus, 2021 (2021) Hardcover, e-Book      Reviewed by Carrol Wolverton Surprisingly readable, this history of the Norman people is well written and easy reading. Way back in my college days, I equated history book with dull, dull, and duller. This book, by contrast, made for an enjoyable experience and good reading. One big reason is the constant aggressive activity of the Norman Vikings. Experienced seamen, the Vikings covered the coasts of Normandy where they readily found targets. Ruthless murderers, they were tremendously effective and justifiably feared. They survived by constant raiding and pillaging of other groups. They especially favored cleaning out monasteries as easy, defenseless targets. The system proved so successful that the monks sometimes paid off the Normans to be left alone. Protection money did not originate with underworld New York or Chicago mobs; it dates back to at least the 700s and the Normans. They were mean and strong. They were active. Great riches made for great risk. What changed? Times changed. Civilizations challenged and grew. The Vikings intermarried with the locals, also, and sometimes with royals. They made deals, and they assimilated into areas once pillaged. Also, military organization improved with trained cavalries, particularly in England and Normandy. Stone castles and fortifications made raids less profitable and easy targets scarcer. Progress obsoleted them. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more NonFiction books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews