The Vikings in Britain and Ireland

The story of the British Isles in the Dark Ages and the fascinating, disturbing world of the Viking invasions

A Penguin Classic

The impact of Scandinavian invaders on the peoples of the Britain and Ireland was incalculable. Raiders on an occasionally large scale, they initially attacked coastal and river settlements, but ended up building towns and political entities which reshaped all the countries of the archipelago. Clare Downham's compelling anthology reproduces a wide range of fascinating surviving material, ranging from chronicles to inscriptions on monuments. It brings together sometimes fragmentary, tantalizing works from our remote past to create a picture of a time which was—for the raiders—remarkable and exciting, and, through innumerable vicissitudes, a time when Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England began to stabilize as political areas, alongside long vanished entities as the Kingdom of the Isles and the Danelaw. This superb and atmospheric anthology explores how much the Scandinavians reshaped the British Isles and the limits of their impact.

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Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

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• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

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• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

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• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
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The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs