The History of Iceland

The History of Iceland PDF Author: Gunnar Karlsson
Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
ISBN: 9780816635894
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Iceland is unique among European societies in having been founded as late as the Viking Age and in having copious written and archaeological sources about its origin. Gunnar Karlsson, that country's premier historian, chronicles the age of the Sagas, consulting them to describe an era without a monarch or central authority. Equating this prosperous time with the golden age of antiquity in world history, Karlsson then marks a correspondence between the Dark Ages of Europe and Iceland's "dreary period", which started with the loss of political independence in the late thirteenth century and culminated with an epoch of poverty and humility, especially during the early Modern Age. Iceland's renaissance came about with the successful struggle for independence in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and with the industrial and technical modernization of the first half of the twentieth century. Karlsson describes the rise of nationalism as Iceland's mostly poor peasants set about breaking with Denmark, and he shows how Iceland in the twentieth century slowly caught up economically with its European neighbors.

The History of Iceland

The History of Iceland PDF Author: Gunnar Karlsson
Publisher: U of Minnesota Press
ISBN: 9780816635894
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Iceland is unique among European societies in having been founded as late as the Viking Age and in having copious written and archaeological sources about its origin. Gunnar Karlsson, that country's premier historian, chronicles the age of the Sagas, consulting them to describe an era without a monarch or central authority. Equating this prosperous time with the golden age of antiquity in world history, Karlsson then marks a correspondence between the Dark Ages of Europe and Iceland's "dreary period", which started with the loss of political independence in the late thirteenth century and culminated with an epoch of poverty and humility, especially during the early Modern Age. Iceland's renaissance came about with the successful struggle for independence in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and with the industrial and technical modernization of the first half of the twentieth century. Karlsson describes the rise of nationalism as Iceland's mostly poor peasants set about breaking with Denmark, and he shows how Iceland in the twentieth century slowly caught up economically with its European neighbors.

A Brief History of Iceland

A Brief History of Iceland PDF Author: Gunnar Karlsson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9789979341390
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description


Wasteland with Words

Wasteland with Words PDF Author: Sigurður Gylfi Magnússon
Publisher: Reaktion Books
ISBN: 1861897332
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
Iceland is an enigmatic island country marked by contradiction: it’s a part of Europe, yet separated from it by the Atlantic Ocean; it’s seemingly inhospitable, yet home to more than 300,000. Wasteland with Words explores these paradoxes to uncover the mystery of Iceland. In Wasteland with Words Sigurdur Gylfi Magnússon presents a wide-ranging and detailed analysis of the island’s history that examines the evolution and transformation of Icelandic culture while investigating the literary and historical factors that created the rich cultural heritage enjoyed by Icelanders today. Magnússon explains how a nineteenth-century economy based on the industries of fishing and agriculture—one of the poorest in Europe—grew to become a disproportionately large economic power in the late twentieth century, while retaining its strong sense of cultural identity. Bringing the story up to the present, he assesses the recent economic and political collapse of the country and how Iceland has coped. Throughout Magnússon seeks to chart the vast changes in this country’s history through the impact and effect on the Icelandic people themselves. Up-to-date and fascinating, Wasteland with Words is a comprehensive study of the island’s cultural and historical development, from tiny fishing settlements to a global economic power.

An Introduction to the Sagas of Icelanders

An Introduction to the Sagas of Icelanders PDF Author: CARL. PHELPSTEAD
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813080680
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Combining an accessible approach with innovative scholarship, Carl Phelpstead draws on historical context, contemporary theory, and close reading to deepen our understanding of Icelandic saga narratives about the island's early history.

Introduction to Iceland

Introduction to Iceland PDF Author: Gilad James, PhD
Publisher: Gilad James Mystery School
ISBN: 8003116635
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 129

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Book Description
Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean, with a population of approximately 360,000 people. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including glaciers, geysers, volcanoes, and hot springs. The country is situated on a hot spot, which means it experiences a high level of geothermal activity. This has led to the development of geothermal energy, which is used to heat homes and buildings throughout the country. Iceland is also home to a unique culture that has been shaped by the country's isolation and harsh environment. The country has a rich history that dates back to the Viking age, and many of its cultural traditions and customs have been passed down through generations. These include the Icelandic language, which remains largely unchanged from the ancient Norse language spoken by the Vikings, and the country's strong literary tradition, which has produced many famous writers and poets over the years. Today, Iceland is a popular tourist destination, known for its outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and whale watching, as well as its vibrant music and arts scene.

Culture and History in Medieval Iceland

Culture and History in Medieval Iceland PDF Author: Kirsten Hastrup
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 312

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Book Description
In 930, Iceland first established a common law for the island and became an autonomous republic, which lasted until it came under the sovereignty of the Norwegian king nearly three and a half centuries later. This volume is a two-part analysis of that society, known as the Icelandic "commonwealth" or "Freestate." The first section examines how medieval Icelanders classified and perceived such domains as time, space, kinship, political organization, and cosmology, linking together these various realms to present an integrated picture of the society's world-view. The second section focuses on the changes that took place during the period in the fields of ecology, demography, religion, property relations, and the law, and explains how and why these changes, interacting with more fundamental social structures and beliefs, undermined--and ultimately destroyed--the society.

The History of Iceland

The History of Iceland PDF Author: Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN:
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 354

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Book Description
Based upon the most recent research, this thought-provoking, up-to-date survey of the history of Iceland provides unique insight into the challenges facing a small nation in a globalized world. In more recent times, Iceland has faced other major challenges, most notably its economic fall in 2008 when a nationwide failure of its financial systems eroded it from its former position as one of the most developed and wealthiest countries in the world. The History of Iceland describes how a small nation situated on a rocky and isolated island struggled for centuries to survive but then rose to great prosperity in the modern era. The work provides a comprehensive summary of Iceland's history that shares a tale of independence versus interdependence-one that underscores how recent events have forced a people with great pride in their unique heritage to reconsider well-established notions about themselves as a nation. Based on the most recent research, this work is the first comprehensive overview to cover in detail the collapse of Iceland's economy and its subsequent effect on its people. Organized into seven main sections that chronologically cover the history of Iceland from the island's settlement to the present day, the book concludes with a revealing discussion of how each period has been perceived by later generations of Icelanders.

Rick Steves Iceland

Rick Steves Iceland PDF Author: Rick Steves
Publisher: Rick Steves
ISBN: 1641712449
Category : Travel
Languages : en
Pages : 588

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Book Description
Hike vast glaciers, marvel at steaming volcanic lakes, and explore the land of the midnight sun: with Rick Steves, Iceland is yours to explore! Inside Rick Steves Iceland you'll find: Comprehensive itineraries that can be adapted for 24-hour layovers, 5-day visits, 2-week trips, and more, including the best road trips in Iceland from the Ring Road to the Golden Circle Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from the stunning northern lights to hidden hikes and cozy bookstores How to connect with local culture: Soak in hidden hot springs, sample smoked fish, and chat with locals in moody and welcoming rural towns Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax Self-guided walking tours of lively Reykjavík and art and history museums and mile-by-mile scenic driving tours Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, an Icelandic phrase book, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 500 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Reykjavík, the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Westman Islands, West Iceland, The Ring Road, the East Fjords, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Iceland. Expanding your trip? Try Rick Steves Scandinavia or Rick Steves Northern European Cruise Ports.

Iceland

Iceland PDF Author: David Roberts
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Iceland
Languages : en
Pages : 159

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Book Description


Seawomen of Iceland

Seawomen of Iceland PDF Author: Margaret Willson
Publisher: University of Washington Press
ISBN: 0295806478
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 312

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Book Description
Finalist for the 2017 Washington State Book Award in General Nonfiction / History The plaque said this was the winter fishing hut of Thurídur Einarsdóttir, one of Iceland's greatest fishing captains, and that she lived from 1777 to 1863. "Wait," anthropologist and former seawoman Margaret Willson said. "She??" So began a quest. Were there more Icelandic seawomen? Most Icelanders said no, and, after all, in most parts of the world fishing is considered a male profession. What could she expect in Iceland? She found a surprise. This book is a glimpse into the lives of vibrant women who have braved the sea for centuries. Their accounts include the excitement, accidents, trials, and tribulations of fishing in Iceland from the historic times of small open rowboats to today's high-tech fisheries. Based on extensive historical and field research, Seawomen of Iceland allows the seawomen's voices to speak directly with strength, intelligence, and - above all - a knowledge of how to survive. This engaging ethnographic narrative will intrigue both general and academic readers interested in maritime culture, the anthropology of work, Nordic life, and gender studies.