There is a most-interesting article in March, 2014, SMITHSONIAN magazine, p. 44, entitled, REVENGE OF THE VIKINGS, by Franz Lidz:   (After decades of scholarship that emphasized their kinder, gentler side, the bad boys of the North are back with a vengeance).  To quote from p. 48 of this article, it states that with the publication of Peter Sawyer’s THE AGE OF THE VIKINGS -1962. . .  a cuddly makeover BEGAN to change the popular perception of the Nordic voyagers . . . ‘to clean something up enough so that it is appropriate to discuss in your living room.”
The article tells of a major exhibition:  The Danes [themselves] are on hand for the final day of “Viking,” A MAJOR EXHIBITION THAT REOPENS AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM ON MARCH 6 AND RUNS THROUGH JUNE 22 BEFORE MOVING ON TO BERLIN. . . :   “Over the last few decades much new evidence has come out that has changed our perception of Viking culture . . . “
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British Museum’s Viking show locates the original Scandinavian Noir
The academic discourse has been veering in that direction for over 50 years now, and if anything the British Museum is putting a bit of cold steel back into the debate … falcons and slaves went one way and weapons …theguardian.com • 8 hours ago
British Museum to host “Vikings” exhibition
London: “Vikings,” the British Museum’s first major exhibition on the northern invaders for decades, will feature a 121-foot warship – the longest Viking vessel ever found – plus swords, axes, religious images and enough coins and jewelry to cause pirate envy.San Francisco Gate • 2/20/2014
The Viking warlord did not go quietly to his death — they never did. Ragnar ‘Hairy Britches’ was legendary for leading a fleet of longships up the Seine and pillaging Paris, but when he turned his band of marauders to …Daily Mail • 2/22/2014
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Vikings Invade UK on Ragnarok as British Museum Opens Biggest Exhibition in 35 Years [VIDEO]
A new exhibition at the British Museum in London explores the myth of Viking warriors as bloodthirsty looters and pillagers. The latest historical interpretations place warfare and a savage warrior mentality at the heart of …International Business Times • 2/22/2014
Treasures of the Vikings: The elaborate carvings, gold jewellery and 120ft boat that show how the brutal raiders were also the …
The centrepiece of the landmark exhibition is a 120ft-long boat, known as ‘Roskilde 6’, which stands as a compelling testament to the Norsemen’s great achievement in sailing around the world, from Turkey to North …Daily Mail • 5 hours ago

On the one hand, the Vikings are part of us, because they settled in areas of Britain … The exhibition’s pièce de résistance is the display of the longest Viking warship ever found (one of the largest that could have …New Statesman • 1 day ago
The truth about Vikings: Not the smelly barbarians of legend but silk-clad, blinged-up culture vultures   The construction of the ship has been dated to around AD 1025, the high point of the Viking Age when … Peter J Mather, Group Regional Vice President, Europe and Head of Country, UK, BP.tnp.no • 2/20/2014
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This exhibition focuses on the (original?) Vikings . . . those who were bullies in Britain, France, and who pillaged as far as Baghdad . . . and these adventurers were long known as bloodthirsty barbarians. Of course, Christian monks, the article states, could well verify this.
I found this article most interesting, my interest in Vikings having been sparked by your books, Mr. Cornwell.  The article states (p. 48) that “The Vikings are raiders and marauders and they are traders and explorers and craftsmen.  Fundamentally they are travelers—and travelers with open minds.”
The article (p. 49) states (as you wrote, Mr. Cornwell) that “Vikings were fond of bestowing nasty nicknames on weapons, like Leg-Biter and Skull-Splitter.”
Of course, I don’t intend to write of all in the entire article here; however, perhaps your readers (or you?) may wish to read further; moreover, to visit the British Museum to see this focus on Vikings and their culture.  The article ends with “They lived on islands . . . and on islands you don’t get anywhere unless you row or sail. . . despite Vikings’ violent bent, they swore by the ancient verities:  the importance of family, generosity of spirit, a sense of fair play and personal honor.  Physical bravery was a given.  Most critical virtue:   self-control. . . they had morals—just not necessarily our present-day morals.”
I think perhaps even you, too, Mr. Cornwell, may enjoy this article—and a visit to the Museum?
ELFRETH