NorsePlay.

This SF cover art from 1976 by Karel Thole evokes a Wagner ian mien, mixed with a Kirby-esque space-scaped cosmic winged-helmet Marvel Thor -like figure. And the invading Viking explorative ethos is fitting for this anthology's description of a " far-flung, preferably barbaric , galactic empire ". It seems though that women have discarded the hangerock dress with turtle box pin brooches for a much more abbreviated attire . Skol to the future! #    #    # Guillermo Maytorena IV knew there was something special in  the Norse Lore when he picked up a copy of the d'Aulaires'  Norse Gods and Giants  at age seven. Since t hen he's been fascinated by the truthful potency of Norse Mythology, passionately read & studied, embraced Ásatrú, launched the  Map of Midgard  project, and spearheaded the neologism/brand NorsePlay.   If you have e mployment/ opportunities in  investigative mythology, field research, or product...

Not to let the  hokey Twain-ist title fool you, Edmond Hamilton's  A Yank at Valhalla  delivers  a Norse-inspired genre mash-up in fine pulp style. [Original pulp from January 1941.] Part lost civilization fantasy, part science fiction,  Hamilton plays with the idea that behind mythology lies a greater truth. Physicist Keith Masters, during an exploratory survey flight, gets blown into a hidden area of the arctic  where he discovers the secret lands of  the Norse Gods . [An Ace double version from 1973.] Stylewise, the many typos (a pulp given) are  unexpectedly balanced out by some lovely .50-cent word selections, and it's neat shifting gears as a  reader between scientific terms and medieval descriptors. This integrated juxtaposition aside, a lot of  the presentation is stirring with cries of "Our swords for Asgard!", impressive feasting hall settings, and  saga worthy melees & martial battles. [UK re-tit...