A Brief History of Iceland

by Gunnar Karlsson, Anna Yates (Translator)

Excellent condition.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

80 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Austin Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it is exactly what I wanted it to be. Starting in the 9th century with the first settlement on the island by Europeans, this takes you up to date (or to 2010, when the book was re-released) on the history of the country in chronological order.

In my opinion this book deserves 4 stars and my 5 star rating is a response to all the unfairly negative reviews I've read. Some have complained that the chapters are too brief, which makes zero sense considering that these people will have considered the title of the book before reading. Similarly, people have complained that the book is not up to date, but the book talks about the financial crisis in 2008, two years before the book was published.

[Valdemar Gomes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exactly what it promises to be. My only criticism is that it was brief, I would like it more in detail and indicating more sources. But then again, what did I expect, it's in the title.

[Alatea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Väldigt kort, men ger ganska bra bild över landets historia.

[Anders Gustafsson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ett bra sammandrag av Islands historia fram till finanskrisen, lättläst.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Karlsson's work serves its purpose, as a primer or intro into the history of Iceland. Every topic receives two pages of summary and related photos. Suggestions for further reading follow the main text. If anything, this title could benefit from an update due to its chronology ending in 2018. More content about Iceland's international relations, energy production and the effects of climate change would improve an updated edition.

[Hector Tobon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empecé este libro porque fue un regalo de una amiga del trabajo que vive en Islandia y me lo entregó cuando la invité a mi casa a pasar velitas en diciembre. Así que me encontré con un escrito sobre un país completamente desconocido para mí, tanto que, incluso, a veces me cuesta visualizar su ubicación en el mapa.

El libro me gustó mucho porque es corto, conciso y va directo al punto. Se enfoca en la historia concreta y en los sucesos más relevantes según el autor. No te pierdes en incidentes secundarios, sino que te presenta la historia de manera clara y resumida. Además, incluye algunas imágenes relevantes de la época, lo que enriquece la lectura.

Uno de los aspectos más interesantes es cómo Islandia pasó de ser una sociedad basada en la pesca y la agricultura a convertirse en un país moderno con altos estándares de vida. También se abordan momentos clave como la independencia de Dinamarca, la importancia de la pesca en su economía y la disputa del bacalao con el Reino Unido. Además, explica cómo la Segunda Guerra Mundial y la presencia de Estados Unidos influyeron en su desarrollo.

[Doris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kompakt ist das sicher! Nur 68 Seiten, mit Bildern. Ich habe einige interessante Dinge gelernt, die ich noch nicht wusste über Island. Zum Beispiel, dass es so viele britische und amerikanische Soldaten in Island gab während des Zweiten Weltkriegs und dass das eigentlich eine Zeit war, die ganz gut für die isländische Wirtschaft war. Ich wusste auch nicht, das Island noch bis 1944 unter dem König von Dänemark stand. Was noch... Die Fischerei ist für Island immer sehr wichtig gewesen. Es gab viel Fisch und die Briten wollten dort auch fischen. So entstand ein Konflikt: der Kabeljaukrieg. Komisch eigentlich. Warum fischten die Briten nicht im eigenen Wasser?
Außerdem handelte ungefähr die Hälfte des Buches von Politik. Das war ein bisschen zu viel. Es sind bestimmt noch viele andere interessantere Sachen in der Geschichte Islands passiert, worüber man etwas erzählen kann.

[Katerina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is exactly what the title says: A compact history of Iceland. In 33 Chapters or 70 pages, we go learn the most important outline of the history of this interesting island in the north of Europe. The book starts in 870 a.C. with the first settlement of Norwegian Vikings on the island and ends with Expansion and Collapse of the Islandic Economy in 2010.

Very compact, very historical, and enough informative for somebody who just wants to know a little bit more about Iceland. I read it in preparation of my road trip in Iceland in March this year.

[Lorina Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

If nothing else, Gunnar Karlsson's title for his history of Iceland is accurate. It is definitely a brief history. Something like an amuse-bouche.

It's well-written, albeit dry, focusing more on mid-19th century to relative present day. There is brief reference to its indigenous and Viking roots, referring more to the advent of Christianity and more modern political structure.

Still, a quick overview for anyone just interested in appetizers.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

5 stars for Iceland, 2.5 for this history. The book's appeal (brevity) is responsible for its primary failures: too little explanation, context or detail for significant historical and cultural events. Any history that aims to be both concise and comprehensive faces that challenge, and I take that into consideration, but Karlsson's text really missed the mark for me by gesturing at complexity without giving enough of a story--or even a "why"--for my memory to retain it. Good pictures though!

[Jared McDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iceland much like Canada does not have the most interesting history. The content can be quite dry at times, but as the title suggests it is brief and to the point. If you want to get a snapshot of the evolution of Iceland over the last millennium then this should cover it up to 2010 per the version I have read.

[Sharly · Rating 4 out of 5]

El libro está dividido en 34 capítulos de una página doble. Esto permite tener una visión general de la historia Islandesa, sin necesidad de profundizar en ella. Muy recomendable para aquellos que queréis conocer la isla. Se lee en unas 3-4 horas.

Hay una version en español que podéis comprar en cualquier museo o tienda de souvenirs de la isla.

[Quintin Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is indeed a brief history of Iceland. After we took a trip there this past summer I was interested in learning more about their history and this did the trick. Knowing I bought this at Thingvillir will also be a special thing. It’s good reference material for useless historical knowledge at parties.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an account of Icelandic history from 870 – 2010. It covers the main historical events including economic, political, and social development up to recent times. It gave an interesting view of a country I hope to visit someday.

[Maaike Reuvers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interessant boekje over de hele geschiedenis van IJsland. Die is natuurlijk een stuk korter dan die van andere landen dus met 80 pagina’s heb je dit boek in een dag uit. Dit had ik eigenlijk moeten lezen voor een van de vakken vorig jaar in IJsland, maar nooit gedaan/aan toe gekomen.

[laurèns · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting and brief! i learnt a lot of things

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a brief and somewhat bland read, but nonetheless gave some helpful context in understanding Iceland as a nation and its history and culture.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good enough book. Clear and succinct. Not the book’s fault that Iceland’s history just isn’t that interesting.

[Lorenzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es muy útil para entender de manera muy breve y resumida la historia del país. Muy interesante para leer antes o después de un viaje a Islandia

[Miquel Amengual · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una mica bàsic i desfasat, però interessant per complementar un viatge a l'illa del vent.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ICELAND, published by Mal Og Menning of Reykjavik in 2000, was written by the history professor Gunnar Karlsson and subsequently translated into English by Anna Yates. It aims to present the whole of this nation's history in 64 pages, excepting photo credits and the index.

The book consists of 31 two-page sections dealing with some particular era or facet of Icelandic history, such as "Settlement" (870-930), "Dark Ages" (1600-1785), and "Liberated Women" (1970-2000). I found the balance refreshing, for example description of World War II and the Cold War most interesting, as the US presence in Keflavik is said to have benefitted the economy enormously, though it is claimed the Americans stayed on after WWII against their promise to withdraw. In each section there are a few colour photos, and the production of this trade paperback on good-quality paper is satisfying.

While all such brief history books leave out details that many would find important, Gunnar Karlsson's A BRIEF HISTORY OF ICELAND is well worth a read if you want to discover this country for the first time.

[Kirill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short and simple history book. If you want to educate yourself quickly about Icelandic culture and history, this book is a good pick. It is separated into well made chapters and none of the information feels excessive or lacking.

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a quick overview of the history of Iceland. I liked it because I knew nothing about the country beyond the Viking era and this book gave me an idea of from that time period to present.