History Starting Points: Ivar the Boneless and the Vikings

The curiously-named Ivar the Boneless was one of the fiercest Viking leaders who ever lived. Despite failing in his quest to settle Britain, he was at the head of the biggest Viking invasion ever staged, and, it is said, never lost a battle.

Suitable for readers aged 8+, each book in History Starting Points explores the life and times of a key historical figure, from Alfred the Great to Hatshepsut. It tells the story of the subject's life, using vital primary source material, such as what contemporary people wrote about the figure. Alongside this, each book builds up a vivid picture of the historical era in which the person lived, from Anglo-Saxon Britain to the civilisations of ancient Greece and Egypt. Included throughout are cross-curricular links to other key subject areas such as literacy, science or geography, and the text is supported by cartoon, myths and legends and fun craft projects to make.

David Gill is an ex-headteacher with many years' experience. He believes passionately in making history for young readers exciting.