The Norsemen in the West: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Norsemen in the West: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Norsemen in the West is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael) (1825–1894).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Norsemen in the West" by R. M. Ballantyne is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. This adventure narrative explores the Viking voyages to North America, particularly focusing on the settlement established by Eric the Red's son, Leif Ericsson, in Greenland and their potential interactions with Indigenous peoples. The story begins with a vivid depiction of life in a Norse settlement and introduces key characters, including Leif and his son Olaf, as well as a group of newcomers, setting the stage for their ensuing adventures. The opening of the tale presents a scene in Greenland where two figures, initially resembling bears, are revealed to be human beings stealthily observing a Norse settlement. There is lively interaction among the villagers, highlighting their peaceful lives before the tension escalates with the impending desire for conflict from a group of Indigenous people, termed Skraelingers. As Leif Ericsson, his son Olaf, and other characters engage in daily tasks and prepare for unexpected visitors, foreboding is introduced through the discussions surrounding the newcomers, including the aspirations for exploration and discovery. The stage is set for an adventure filled with discovery, potential conflict, and exploration of new lands, embodying the spirit of Viking exploration.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Norsemen in the West
- Author credits: Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael) (1825–1894)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Adventure and adventurers -- Juvenile fiction
- America -- Discovery and exploration -- Norse -- Juvenile fiction
- Colonists -- Juvenile fiction
- Fur traders -- Juvenile fiction
- Indians of North America -- Juvenile fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Adventure
- Category: Historical Novels
- Children's Fiction
Read this edition
View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


