A great selection of sagas and shorter tales, well translated, with useful introductions, contextual information and a glossary. Includes Egil's Saga, Gisli's Saga, Laxdaela Saga and Hrafnkel's Saga.

The outlaw Grettir is an unforgettable tragic hero, caught in the tension between the old heroic code and the newly Christianised social order.

Full of complex characters and dramatic incidents. The skaldic verses of Earl Rognvald, on his expedition to the Holy Land, are a particular highlight.

Expensive, but containing 556 pages full of colourful stories, often involving Icelanders at the Norwegian court, and skaldic verses (given in Old Icelandic with translations below). Copious notes.

Snorri's other great work was a textbook for skalds, which is now essential for an understanding of Norse mythology. This is the only English translation which includes the metrical treatise Hattatal.

The most celebrated of North Germanic legends, and the inspiration for great works by Wagner and Tolkien. Excellent introduction and notes.

These are amongst the most purely entertaining of the Sagas of Ancient Times, featuring dwarves, magical weapons and Lappish sorcery. Told in a taut, laconic style, not without touches of grim humour.

Not exactly light reading, but for those who are fascinated by the legal disputes and "courtroom dramas" in the Sagas of Icelanders, these medieval law codes are an invaluable reference.