History of Iceland: from the settlement to the present day

by Jón R. Hjálmarsson

A lively and absorbing description on the development of the Icelandic nation from the settlement more than eleven hundred years ago up to the present day.
In concise and highly informative accounts, written with the general reader in mind, the book charts the glories and achievements of the Republic and Saga Age, the bitter and bloody civil war which led to humiliation and suffering under colonial rule, and the nationalist awakening which has created a thriving modern republic with a deep attachment to its unique past.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is great - goes through the whole history of Iceland in manageable chunks, with illustrations, an index and a bibliography, i.e. well researched but certainly not a heavy work. This edition was published in 1993, so it stops well before the recent problems (there is a later edition), but it's still good for everything up to around 25 years ago.

[Ko Bossaer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iceland is mostly ignored in typical history classes. So I did not know much about this nordic country before I read this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that this Island bordering the Arctic ocean had a rich and entertaining history featuring viking, Irish missionaries, and plenty of wars within and the country and with other Nordic countries. It is fascinating to see how this nation of fierce warriors gradually transitioned into one of the most egalitarian, well educated and highly developed population in the world. The history of Iceland is full of many unexpected twists and turns, and the story of development is one that anyone can enjoy.

[Shirley Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical timeline of Iceland's history. All facts and figures without subjective commentary or judgment. Helped me understand a lot of the past and thus enjoy my visit to Iceland much more.

[Higgen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adeptly accomplishes what it sets out to do: arrange a brief, yet comprehensive, account of Icelandic history from settlement to modern times. Accessible, but lacking depth in parts, it's a great overview for the curious and uninitiated. The chapter regarding the composition of coalition governments should probably be skimmed over. As my Icelandic significant other states, "Oh no. They're subjecting the tourists to that, too?"

[Veerle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have the revised 2006 edition and it is the perfect introduction to Icelandic history

[Alatea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and easy to follow. However, I wish it had covered Medieval Iceland better...

[Martin Riexinger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview over major historic developments, but develops into name dropping in dealing with the post-WWII period.
Some inaccuracies on general European history.

[zoddicus · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good approachable introduction to the history of Iceland. It covers the early history and cultural development well, but it kinda peters out by the end and has some dry sections.

(It was 4 star quality for most of the book, before it really started dragging at the end)

It is obvious the author has a lot of pride in his homeland and its history. The earlier sections really celebrate the achievements of the Icelanders. The later portions give you a lot of detail into the struggles they went through and how they persevered to become a independent nation again.

The narrative moves at an appropriate pace through most of the book. It does start to slow down as it enters the 20th century, since there is a lot of different developments going on in Iceland and the world in general.

As other reviewers have commented, the end chapters dealing with the post-WWII period do turn into a slog, with just long lists of names of people being rattled off.

This is common issue for this type of historical/cultural overview test, because until the 20th century it is obvious who and what matters, since the author knows how things turn out and has a through line that they are writing (e.g. detailing how Iceland became independent from Denmark, or how the initial settlement occurred).

Honestly I think this book, and others like it, would actually be better served ended the narrative at a natural ending point, like the Cod Wars for example, and have a final less detailed chapter on where Iceland is now, and not get into the begats of the leaders for the last 30 years.

This is particularly obvious in the edition I was reading, since the author was talking at the liberalization/privatization of the banking sector in a positive light, and then ends the story in 2007...

[Riet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bij vlagen goed geschreven en interessant, maar ik had er meer van verwacht. Wel interessant de beginjaren en de vorming van IJsland, En ook het feit dat het pas in 1944 echt zelfstandig werd (na een periode van een soort status aparte onder Denemarken). Niet interessant: het een voor een opnoemen van alle premiers, de politieke parijen etc. Wel weer, dat het IJslandse volk een van de meest geletterde van de wereld is en dat bijna iedereen van enig belang daar tevens gedichten schrijft. Maar leuk om te lezen, als je er net geweest bent.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five-word review: "It gets cold in Iceland."

[Rachel Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digestible and well-organized. Made me want to rewatch the secret life of walter mitty

[Gozde Unal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the updated 2007 edition. Excellent account of Icelandic history. If you're interested in Iceland, this is a good book.