This book is designed for students, scholars or interested laymen who have a keen interest in medieval Icelandic writings but not necessarily profound knowledge. My aim has been to give a fairly self-contained survey, based on previous scholarship and personal observation, of the information necessary to the understanding and appreciation of Snorri Sturluson's "Heimskringla". The work is often regarded as the highest peak in the range of sagas about Norwegian kings, and this book will serve its purpose if it acts as a kind of base camp, a starting-point from which others can open up new routes and see the vista for themselves, for there is still a great deal to be explored and enjoyed. ("Preface")