This chronicle of war and rivaly between ruling clans, written in the 13th century, blends history and legend. It's a vivid portrait of the Viking world. The action is set in 10th-century southern Scandinavia, the Baltic, Iceland and the North Sea. Egil, a rune reader, a healer, a drunk, a poet, and a farmer, dominated Viking history from his first murder at the age of six because another boy won a ball game. This vivid saga embraces five generations beginning with Egil's grandfather and ending with his grandson.  (VIK06, $15.00)

Vikings