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The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days
Iceland in centuries past was a formidable place to live. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the inhabitable world, the nation was both isolated and abjectly poor. Centuries of colonisation translated into oppression and subjugation from the colonial overlords, and a hostile climate and repeated natural disasters meant that mere survival was a challenge to even the hardiest of souls.
In these 50 miniature essays, Alda Sigmundsdottir writes about the Icelanders in centuries past in a light and humourous way, yet never without admiration and respect for the resilience and strength they showed in coping with conditions of adversity that are barely imaginable today. Their ways of interacting with the natural world are described, as are their sometimes tragic, sometimes ingenious, means of dealing with maltreatment and injustice from the church and other rulers. These forms of oppression include a trade monopoly imposed by Denmark that lasted nearly two centuries, a ban on dancing that lasted for a similar length of time, the forced dissolution of households when the breadwinner of the family died, the tyranny of merchants granted exclusive right to trade with the Icelanders, and the dreaded decrees of the Grand Judgement—a court of law that was set up to punish various offenses, real or imagined.
Yet it is not only the "big picture" that is described in this book, but also the various smaller aspects that shed light on the daily life of the Icelanders of old. These include their ingenious ways of coping with lack, of preserving food, of finding shelter, of creating or admitting light into their homes, as well as the innumerable and sometimes wacky superstitions attached to various life events, big and small. The hilarious customs of hospitality and visiting are also described, as are some of the sexual activates of Icelanders in the past, their belief in elves and hidden people, sexual interactions with hidden people (!), ways of dealing with grief, interactions with foreigners, and much, much more.
Today's Iceland is a modern, cosmopolitan place, with one of the highest standards of living in the world. Yet less than a century ago, this paragon of equality and peace was the poorest society in Europe. The conditions of life described in this book are therefore not very distant from the Icelanders today, and many of the aspects described are still very much reflected in Iceland's unique culture. For example, the harsh climate and isolation of the past meant that there was a serious lack of grains for food. Consequently the Icelanders devised ways to make breads and cakes that used very little flour. The Icelandic "pancake", similar to a French crêpe, is still very much a part of traditional Icelandic celebrations, as is the laufabrauð—a wafer-thin, deep-fried bread that is traditionally eaten at Christmas. The Icelandic language is also rich with throwbacks to the past—for instance the Icelandic word for "windfall" is hvalreki which literally means "beached whale"—this because a single beached whale in the old days was usually enough to feed an entire district, or one household for a full year, something that was immensely welcome in a country where food was in short supply.
In short, The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is not only a funny, witty and wise expose on the Icelanders' daily life in the past, it is also essential to understanding the Icelandic national character today.
In these 50 miniature essays, Alda Sigmundsdottir writes about the Icelanders in centuries past in a light and humourous way, yet never without admiration and respect for the resilience and strength they showed in coping with conditions of adversity that are barely imaginable today. Their ways of interacting with the natural world are described, as are their sometimes tragic, sometimes ingenious, means of dealing with maltreatment and injustice from the church and other rulers. These forms of oppression include a trade monopoly imposed by Denmark that lasted nearly two centuries, a ban on dancing that lasted for a similar length of time, the forced dissolution of households when the breadwinner of the family died, the tyranny of merchants granted exclusive right to trade with the Icelanders, and the dreaded decrees of the Grand Judgement—a court of law that was set up to punish various offenses, real or imagined.
Yet it is not only the "big picture" that is described in this book, but also the various smaller aspects that shed light on the daily life of the Icelanders of old. These include their ingenious ways of coping with lack, of preserving food, of finding shelter, of creating or admitting light into their homes, as well as the innumerable and sometimes wacky superstitions attached to various life events, big and small. The hilarious customs of hospitality and visiting are also described, as are some of the sexual activates of Icelanders in the past, their belief in elves and hidden people, sexual interactions with hidden people (!), ways of dealing with grief, interactions with foreigners, and much, much more.
Today's Iceland is a modern, cosmopolitan place, with one of the highest standards of living in the world. Yet less than a century ago, this paragon of equality and peace was the poorest society in Europe. The conditions of life described in this book are therefore not very distant from the Icelanders today, and many of the aspects described are still very much reflected in Iceland's unique culture. For example, the harsh climate and isolation of the past meant that there was a serious lack of grains for food. Consequently the Icelanders devised ways to make breads and cakes that used very little flour. The Icelandic "pancake", similar to a French crêpe, is still very much a part of traditional Icelandic celebrations, as is the laufabrauð—a wafer-thin, deep-fried bread that is traditionally eaten at Christmas. The Icelandic language is also rich with throwbacks to the past—for instance the Icelandic word for "windfall" is hvalreki which literally means "beached whale"—this because a single beached whale in the old days was usually enough to feed an entire district, or one household for a full year, something that was immensely welcome in a country where food was in short supply.
In short, The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is not only a funny, witty and wise expose on the Icelanders' daily life in the past, it is also essential to understanding the Icelandic national character today.
144 pages, Paperback
First published June 22, 2014
40 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
June 24, 2024
Cannot attest to the veracity of the information (author does not claim to be a scholar), but can confirm it is a fun and funny read. I wish that at least some range of dates had been given more often when discussing this or that cultural tendency (for instance, did the "twilight hour" of quiet sitting exist in pagan times, or only with the introduction of reading after the conversion?) Anyway, if I get pregnant out of wedlock, I will certainly be using the excuse of an affair with an elf - thank you Icelanders!
July 8, 2021
This is a charming and amusing little book about what life was like in Iceland in the old days. Sigmundstottir writes about her homeland with love and with a sense of humor as she tells us about its homes, customs, and superstitions. If you are going to Iceland and want to read a bit of history before you go, this is 100% the book I would recommend (although, I also recently read How Iceland Changed the World, and enjoyed it too. In fact, you should probably read both since they each look at Iceland's history from different perspectives).
The lady doth protest too much, methinks, however, when it comes to the question of whether or not modern Icelanders believe in elves. Before reading her work, it never occurred to me that modern Icelanders might believe in elves, but she goes out of her way to bring the issue up here, and when I opened another book of hers at a bookstore in Reykjavík a few weeks ago, she was also insisting that Icelanders don't believe in elves in that one. Frankly, I'm getting suspicious.
I read this in French and it was an easy read even if French isn't your first language.
The lady doth protest too much, methinks, however, when it comes to the question of whether or not modern Icelanders believe in elves. Before reading her work, it never occurred to me that modern Icelanders might believe in elves, but she goes out of her way to bring the issue up here, and when I opened another book of hers at a bookstore in Reykjavík a few weeks ago, she was also insisting that Icelanders don't believe in elves in that one. Frankly, I'm getting suspicious.
I read this in French and it was an easy read even if French isn't your first language.
June 8, 2021
Wydawało mi się, że o Islandczykach wiem wszystko. No dobra, może nie wszystko, ale dużo. Tymczasem okazało się, że jednak nie, a to dlatego, że ta książka nie traktuje o Islandczykach współczesnych, lecz o ich przodkach.
Znana z social mediów Alda Sigmundsdóttir bardzo dowcipnie w krótkich rozdziałach opisała wiele aspektów życia w dawnej Islandii. Książka ta ukazała się po angielsku i miała szansę pojawienia się na polskim rynku tylko dzięki historii z plagiatem. Bardzo mnie cieszy, że taki był efekt tego skandalu, bo to urocza pozycja i choć nie zawsze moje poczucie humoru koreluje z tym Islandki, to wiele się z tej książki dowiedziałam i faktycznie kilka razy się uśmiechnęłam. Od razu dodam, że czasem powodu uśmiechu było tłumaczenie, a zwłaszcza słynny "Ojat", które wyczaiłam chyba dwa razy.
Ciąg dalszy: http://przeczytalamksiazke.blogspot.c...
October 21, 2014
A very enjoyable read, informative, but liberally doused in humor. One of my favorite souvenirs from my trip to Iceland.
February 1, 2015
Did you know that there is a compound verb in the Icelandic language (borið út) that literally means "left outside somewhere to die"? That this was something common enough in the Iceland of centuries past to warrant the creation of its own verb?
This is just one of the many, many fascinating facts presented in Alda Sigmundsdottir’s wonderful work The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days. Consisting of 50 short essays, the reader is taken on a cultural journey of how Icelanders eked out a living on this often-harsh island centuries ago, covering their daily habits, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies (and there are plenty).
If you’re like me and have read a number of the Icelandic Sagas, and wondered just what details might have been left out of those tales, well, look no further. Well-researched and written in a light, engaging tone (there is plenty of humor in this book), The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is a welcome addition for anyone interested in the history of Icelandic culture and folklore.
This is just one of the many, many fascinating facts presented in Alda Sigmundsdottir’s wonderful work The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days. Consisting of 50 short essays, the reader is taken on a cultural journey of how Icelanders eked out a living on this often-harsh island centuries ago, covering their daily habits, beliefs, and idiosyncrasies (and there are plenty).
If you’re like me and have read a number of the Icelandic Sagas, and wondered just what details might have been left out of those tales, well, look no further. Well-researched and written in a light, engaging tone (there is plenty of humor in this book), The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is a welcome addition for anyone interested in the history of Icelandic culture and folklore.
January 6, 2021
Insightful, informative, amusing and witty at times. An easy and fun read.
April 4, 2024
This is a delightful little book containing 50 short essays about historical life in Iceland. It paints, despite its humour, a grim picture of what the Icelanders had to live through, especially once other countries (and religions) had demanded their due.
April 22, 2015
My sister and I visited Iceland last year, and since then I've been obsessed with the country. While there, I picked up Alda Sigmundsdottir's The Little Book of the Icelanders and devoured it with much the same obsession I devour mint chocolate chip ice cream. I participated in her IndieGogo campaign to ensure I got a copy of this, her sequel, and have been impatiently waiting by the mailbox for my copy. It came, and I promptly disappeared into my room with a cup of tea and strict warnings to my family not to disturb me.
The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is great. It's informative without being dry, thought-provoking without being pedantic, and droll without being buffoon-esque. The writing is sharp and clear, and Alda covers a lot of material briskly and comprehensively. Whether you've been to Niceland, as she puts it, and are suffering from withdrawal, are planning on going and like to read extensively on the subject, or just interested in a good, entertaining, well-writing read, pick up a copy!
The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is great. It's informative without being dry, thought-provoking without being pedantic, and droll without being buffoon-esque. The writing is sharp and clear, and Alda covers a lot of material briskly and comprehensively. Whether you've been to Niceland, as she puts it, and are suffering from withdrawal, are planning on going and like to read extensively on the subject, or just interested in a good, entertaining, well-writing read, pick up a copy!
June 24, 2018
This books gets 4 stars for people LOOKING for a book that tells them a bit about Iceland. If you are looking for a novel, great nonfiction or some other meaty tome then this is not the book to chose. I have embarcked on the Goodreads Around the World Challenge which means that over the next - what - decade???? - I am going to try and read a book from or about/set in every country in the world. This is Iceland. I have another book - a classic Icelandic novel, I may also read, but I am glad I read this first as it taught me a lot about the history and culture of this island country. I do want to visit someday - yet I am exceedingly glad I did not live there in the olden days. The Middle Ages were rough everywhere in Europe, for sure, but I think Icelanders had some unique challenges. If you plan on traveling there, have travelled there, or are just curious about other places and like a well written, witty read then you will enjoy this book. And for sure if you are facing your own personal challenges, they will all seem less onerous once you see what Icelanders in the olden days faced.
July 6, 2021
I love Iceland and its literary culture. This book was, unfortunately, a complete disappointment; the essays, which WERE full of interesting facts, also tried to be funny in the worst way. Here is an example, describing Iceland under Danish overlords:
“But oh, those merchants. Those dudes were the schizz, man. They towered so far above the blubbering peasantry of the Colony of Iceland that it’s a wonder they didn’t have perpetual nosebleeds. And they were not about to haul their asses out of bed on a regular day to open up shop for a convoy of snivelling peasants unless they were bloody well in the mood. And sometimes they were just bloody well not in the mood. And those plebs who all reeked of fish oil…well they’d just have to wait until the next day. Or the next. Or for such time as was convenient for the merchants to be in the mood.”
Not funny. Not well written. Not recommended. And the book needs a glossary.
“But oh, those merchants. Those dudes were the schizz, man. They towered so far above the blubbering peasantry of the Colony of Iceland that it’s a wonder they didn’t have perpetual nosebleeds. And they were not about to haul their asses out of bed on a regular day to open up shop for a convoy of snivelling peasants unless they were bloody well in the mood. And sometimes they were just bloody well not in the mood. And those plebs who all reeked of fish oil…well they’d just have to wait until the next day. Or the next. Or for such time as was convenient for the merchants to be in the mood.”
Not funny. Not well written. Not recommended. And the book needs a glossary.
August 14, 2017
A compilation of 50 short essays on the ways of Icelanders in the olden days. You learn about the farming community, the hierarchy in these communities, the existence of outlaws & vagabonds, and several superstitions which the Icelanders held on to comprising everything from what not to do during a pregnancy, or omens before going out to sea. You learn that sheep was considered an important currency then and that Icelanders to this day describe having a windfall as having a whale beached up, because a beached whale could feed a family for a year. You also learn about how they made do without fruits and vegetables then to avoid getting scurvy and fulfilling their daily nutritional needs. The stories are short, easy to read and funny. I would have expected some superstition or story about the Northern Lights but if there were any, they were not mentioned in this book.
September 12, 2023
Interesujący przekrój dawnych dziejów na Islandii. Od ciekawostek poprzez całe narracje i tradycje ludowe. Alda ma talent do takich lekkostrawnych esejów na różne tematy i przechodzi pomiędzy nimi w sposób bardzo sensowny i - wbrew pozorom - uporządkowany. Dla osób zainteresowanych przekrojową historią Islandii, "Mała księga" to dobry punkt zaczepienia, żeby drążyć dalej.
Z fajnych rzeczy: skąd wziął się zgniły rekin, co to są sagi, dlaczego łaźnia to najważniejszy punkt domu dawnego Islandczyka.
Zabrakło tylko wikińskiego kontekstu, ale to można nadrobić podkastami.
Z fajnych rzeczy: skąd wziął się zgniły rekin, co to są sagi, dlaczego łaźnia to najważniejszy punkt domu dawnego Islandczyka.
Zabrakło tylko wikińskiego kontekstu, ale to można nadrobić podkastami.
April 18, 2021
I read this in preparation for our trip to Iceland, and I’m planning on reading her other books as well before we go. Sigmundsdóttir has such a fun writing style, which really pulls you in—plus the format of short essays makes it so easy to sit and read just a few pages if that’s all you have time for (but, be forewarned, you’ll get sucked in and keep reading). Really appreciate her unique perspective.
January 30, 2024
Nice booklet about Icelandic cultural history. Life has been incredibly rough in the first 1000 years of this island's existence (as a country where actual people live ) and this book describes in an entertaining way how the survivors coped with that. Mainly with hope, but also with a lot of religion and superstition (for those who distinguish between those ) to make sense of their suffering. And exploitation.
January 21, 2025
I learned a lot about Iceland under Danish rule and the poverty and oppression that played a big role in its history until independence and globalization. It seems like it was totally miserable to live there pre-independence. I wish there was less time spent on the role of the church, because it wasn’t very unique to any other country, and I would’ve liked more information about the prevalence of pagan religions or customs during the Danish occupation.
September 5, 2017
Cute and funny little book, full of information on the back-culture of Iceland. After falling in love with my traveling, adventuresome daughter's photographs. I enjoyed a bar of Icelandic chocolate with a read that made me smile. I am coming along on her return trip. Thank you, Alda! I love your style!
May 31, 2022
Very much enjoyed this small book of interesting facts about the Iceland of old. Told in an engaging and funny way, makes it a very accessible and easy read. Obviously if you want to read something more academic and in-detail this is not the book for you. I'm here for the fun, not the dense research.
July 13, 2022
I bought this little book when I was visiting Iceland. To spend my evenings in the camper after visiting the wonderfull Icelandic landscapes all day long. It is very interesting to discover how Icelandic lived and how common life was so difficult especially as usual for women ..... It's very interesting. funny, ironic : an ideal reading for holidays and immersive!
May 7, 2017
I love all the books this author has. I've been on an Iceland kick lately since coming back, and her texts are the perfect gateway into understanding Icelandic culture, explained for a North American audience. This one had the added bonus of having tons of interesting history.
July 30, 2018
Quick and fun to read. I burned through this book in about an hour. Sigmundsdottir has a pleasant way of writing that just keeps you going.
Anyrate, probably only of interest to people in interested in the lives of medieval peasants. Or those interested in Iceland in general.
Anyrate, probably only of interest to people in interested in the lives of medieval peasants. Or those interested in Iceland in general.
November 17, 2021
After visiting Iceland a couple of months ago, it was great to read about how the culture of its people are evolved to what it is today. Some assays include details from the very first settlers all the way to most recent times.
June 28, 2022
interesting tidbits of history, cute and conversational tone, but unsatisfying with NO sense of where any of the information came from, or where/how one might learn more. I know, it's not an academic book -- but still left me feeling unsatisfied.
July 2, 2023
Que savons-nous des traditions islandaises du passé? Personnellement, je ne vois que des vikings. Alda Sigmundsdóttir nous emmène dans un voyage plein d'humour, de croyances loufoques et de conditions de vie extrêmes. Si ce n'est un rire, c'est un sourire qui nous échappe en passant les pages.
September 12, 2023
Zbiór humorystycznie napisanych 50 esejów opowiadających o przesądach i zwyczajach dawnych osób mieszkających na Islandii. Opatrzony pięknymi ilustracjami. Temat bardzo ciekawy, dlatego szkoda, ze tak krótko :c
November 25, 2025
This was a fun and entertaining way to learn a bit about Icelanders. I enjoyed the short chapters a little at a time. I can say that I'd pick up another of these in the series. Thank you Alda. And thank you Iceland.
October 28, 2017
A lovely, informative, yet amusing little book. Can't wait to snag some of the others, and add them to my collection.
August 31, 2018
Quick, humorous 50 short essays that help get you a real feel for Iceland of old and today. Great to read if thinking of traveling there!
July 24, 2019
50 essays very smartly written-discussed in the podcast Storytime with Ang, out next month on Anchor!
August 10, 2019
This is a fun little collection of essays, if heavy on the post-Christianization end of the spectrum of "the old days."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews