Nine sagas and six tales collected in a single volume, all newly translated for this edition marking the 1,000th anniversary of Leif Eriksson's voyage to North America, and including an introduction by Jane Smiley (whose books include the wonderful novel of Norse settlements "The Greenlanders"). Composed between 1000 and 1500, these rousing tales are told with surprising directness and simplicity. Any modern explorer setting off across the North Atlantic should consider taking along this big book.  (ICL13, $22.00)

Vikings