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Book The Ultimate Icelandic Phrase Book

Download or read book The Ultimate Icelandic Phrase Book written by Adrian Gee and published by Adrian Gee. This book was released on 2024-09-21 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Embrace the Mystical Charm of Icelandic with Grace and Ease! Have you ever been captivated by the haunting beauty and melodic intonations of the Icelandic language? Whether you're a complete novice eager to take your initial steps to learn Icelandic, or a seasoned speaker striving for deeper fluency in Icelandic conversations, "The Ultimate Icelandic Phrase Book" is your all-encompassing resource to unlocking the marvels of this ancient and expressive language. This guide transcends the ordinary boundaries of a phrase book. It is a carefully crafted linguistic companion, designed to provide you not only with essential phrases but also to immerse you in the soul of Íslenska. What sets us apart includes: 1. Beyond Basic Phrases: Featuring a curated selection of over 1001 pivotal Icelandic phrases, our book extends further into enlightening grammar insights, enabling a comprehensive understanding of Icelandic grammar's unique aspects. 2. Engaging Icelandic Challenges: Strengthen your language skills with stimulating exercises that encourage practical application over simple memorization, fostering real-world language competence. 3. Cognitive Engagement: Dive into fun and enriching puzzles and crosswords that do more than expand your vocabulary; they make learning Icelandic an enjoyable and rewarding experience. 4. Practical for Everyday Use: Each phrase has been meticulously chosen for its utility and relevance. Whether you're exploring the majestic landscapes of Iceland, engaging in cultural exchanges, or delving into the depths of Icelandic literature, you'll be well-prepared with the perfect words for every occasion. 5. Mastering Pronunciation: The nuances of Icelandic pronunciation can seem daunting. Our guide simplifies this, offering detailed instructions to ensure you articulate with the clarity and confidence of a native speaker. With "The Ultimate Icelandic Phrase Book," you gain: • An expansive list of over 1001 essential Icelandic expressions, each with accurate English translations. • Phonetic pronunciation guides to bolster your speaking abilities. • Mini lessons in Icelandic grammar to reveal the language's structure. • Valuable tips to enhance your daily Icelandic interactions. Say goodbye to linguistic hurdles and hello to fluent Icelandic communication. Our guide doesn't merely teach words—it deeply connects you with the rich Icelandic culture and lifestyle. Launch your Icelandic linguistic journey today! Follow me on Instagram [@adriangruszka] and visit [www.adriangee.com] for more resources. Celebrate your learning milestones on Instagram, tag us, and let's revel in your progress together! Embark on your path to Icelandic mastery now. Grab your copy today and speak Icelandic with authenticity and flair!

Book Icelandic Language

    Book Details:
  • Author : Meda Gunnarsdottir
  • Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
  • Release : 2015-10-30
  • ISBN : 9781518758539
  • Pages : 160 pages

Download or read book Icelandic Language written by Meda Gunnarsdottir and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-10-30 with total page 160 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Whether you have a trip to Iceland coming up and you're not sure quite where to begin with the language, or you need to study Icelandic for any other reason, this guide will provide everything you need to make your trip to Iceland a comfortable one. With the most frequently heard Icelandic words and phrases, all grouped by topic, plus fascinating details about its culture make this book a must for any traveler to Iceland. But wait. There's more! The menu has been laid out for easy, convenient navigation, and a mini English-to-Icelandic dictionary for quick reference on-the-fly has also been included. Learning Icelandic should be not only educational but also fun, and this guide was created to ensure that you appreciate the many facets of Iceland's language and culture - even before you set foot in one of the world's most beautiful nations.

Book Colloquial Icelandic

Download or read book Colloquial Icelandic written by Daisy Neijmann and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2006-01-16 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Colloquial Icelandic provides a step-by-step course in Icelandic as it is written and spoken today. Combining a user-friendly approach with a thorough treatment of the language, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Icelandic in a broad range of situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Key features include: • progressive coverage of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills • structured, jargon-free explanations of grammar • an extensive range of focused and stimulating exercises • realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of scenarios • useful vocabulary lists throughout the text • additional resources available at the back of the book, including a full answer key, a grammar summary and bilingual glossaries Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Icelandic will be an indispensable resource both for independent learners and students taking courses in Icelandic. Course components: The complete course comprises the book and audio materials. These are available to purchase separately in paperback, ebook, CD and MP3 format. The paperback and CDs can also be purchased together in the great-value Colloquials pack. Paperback: 978-0-415-20706-5 (please note this does not include the audio) CDs : 978-0-415-28690-9 eBook: 978-0-203-99545-7 (please note this does not include the audio, available from www.tandfebooks.com) MP3s: 978-0-415-47084-1 (available from www.tandfebooks.com) Pack : 978-0-415-42707-4 (paperback and CDs)

Book The Little Book of Icelandic

    Book Details:
  • Author : Alda Sigmundsdottir
  • Publisher : Little Books Publishing
  • Release : 2022-01-21
  • ISBN : 1970125225
  • Pages : 156 pages

Download or read book The Little Book of Icelandic written by Alda Sigmundsdottir and published by Little Books Publishing. This book was released on 2022-01-21 with total page 156 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Icelandic is one of the oldest and most complex languages in the world. In this book, Alda Sigmundsdóttir looks at the Icelandic language with wit and humor, and how it reflects the heart and soul of the Icelandic people and their culture. Many of the Icelanders' idioms and proverbs, their meaning, and origins are discussed, as is the Icelanders' love for their language and their attempts to keep it pure through the ongoing construction of new words and terminology. There is a section on Icelandic curse words as well as Icelandic slang, which is mostly derived from English. Throughout, this book deconstructs Icelandic vocabulary, and the often-hilarious, almost naive, ways in which words are made. Among the fascinating topics broached in The Little Book of Icelandic: • The Language Committee: how Icelanders struggle to keep their language “pure” • Let's make a word!—How names for new things are constructed • Old letters, strange sounds: wrapping your tongue around the Icelanders’ tongue • $#*!%&!“#$%*, or how Icelanders curse • The missing dialects—why Icelandic has none • Which is the prettiest of all: contests to find the most lovely word in Icelandic (and the ugliest!) • Quintessential Icelandic words and phrases (the ones that describe the Icelanders like no others) • Useful phrases to impress your new Icelandic friends! • Klósett—the unexpected origin of the Icelandic word for toilet ... and so much more! This is a must-read book for anyone interested in the Icelandic people, their culture—and of course their language. Excerpt "Idioms and proverbs provide a unique insight into the soul of a nation. They say so much about a people’s history—the heartfelt, the tragic, the monumental, the proud. Icelandic has a vast number of idioms and proverbs that are a direct throwback to our nation’s past, especially idioms relating to the ocean, which is such a massive force in our nation's history. Many of them we use all the time without ever giving a thought to their origins. What follows is a random sampling—I hope you enjoy reading about them as much as I did. — Idiom: Eins og skrattinn úr sauðaleggnum Translation: Like Satan out of the sheep’s leg bone Meaning: Unexpectedly, out of the blue If someone suddenly appeared, especially someone I didn’t really want to see, I might say hann kom eins og skrattinn úr sauðaleggnum, literally “he appeared like Satan out of the sheep’s leg bone”. Where the affiliation between a sheep’s leg bone and the prince of darkness comes in I could not tell you. However, I can tell you that, in the old days, Icelandic children (being impoverished and everything) had no proper toys. Instead, they played with sheeps’ bones, each of which was assigned a role. The jawbones were the cows, the joints of the legs were the sheep, and the leg bones were the horses. So maybe folks were worried that Satan—being the crafty bugger that he was—would install himself in a sheeps’ leg bone when the kids were playing and then suddenly BOO! pop out and scare the bejeezus out of them. It’s just a theory. Incidentally, the use of this idiom is not confined to people—it is also successfully used to comment on unwanted happenings, as in: “Damn, this huge phone bill comes like Satan out of a sheep’s leg bone!”

Book Lonely Planet Iceland

    Book Details:
  • Author : Lonely Planet
  • Publisher : Lonely Planet
  • Release : 2019-05-01
  • ISBN : 1788685350
  • Pages : 753 pages

Download or read book Lonely Planet Iceland written by Lonely Planet and published by Lonely Planet. This book was released on 2019-05-01 with total page 753 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Lonely Planet Iceland is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Splash around in the Blue Lagoon's geothermal water, catch a glimpse of the celestial Northern Lights, or take a boat trip among the icebergs -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Iceland and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet's Iceland Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, politics, landscapes, wildlife, literature, music, cinema, art, architecture, customs, cuisine. Free, convenient pull-out Reykjavik map (included in print version), plus over 37 maps Covers Reykjavik, the Westfjords, the Highlands, North Iceland, East Iceland, South Iceland, the Golden Circle, Southwest Iceland, the Eastfjords, Akureyri, Hunafloi and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Iceland, our most comprehensive guide to Iceland, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for a guide focused on Reykjavik? Check out Lonely Planet's Pocket Reykjavik, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Scandinavia guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. The world awaits! 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Book Miss Iceland

    Book Details:
  • Author : Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir
  • Publisher : Grove Press
  • Release : 2020-06-16
  • ISBN : 0802149243
  • Pages : 194 pages

Download or read book Miss Iceland written by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir and published by Grove Press. This book was released on 2020-06-16 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Will appeal to readers of Elena Ferrante and Margaret Atwood . . . the unusual setting offers an interesting twist on the portrait of an artist as a young woman.” —Bookpage In 1960s Iceland, Hekla dreams of being a writer. In a nation of poets, where each household proudly displays leatherbound volumes of the Sagas, and there are more writers per capita than anywhere else in the world, there is only one problem: she is a woman. After packing her few belongings, including James Joyces’s Ulysses and a Remington typewriter, Hekla heads for Reykjavik with a manuscript buried in her bags. She moves in with her friend Jon, a gay man who longs to work in the theatre, but can only find dangerous, backbreaking work on fishing trawlers. Hekla’s opportunities are equally limited: marriage and babies, or her job as a waitress, in which harassment from customers is part of the daily grind. The two friends feel completely out of place in a small and conservative world. And yet that world is changing: JFK is shot. Hemlines are rising. In Iceland, another volcano erupts and Hekla meets a poet who brings to light harsh realities about her art—as she realizes she must escape to find freedom abroad, whatever the cost. Miss Iceland, a winner of two international book awards, comes from the acclaimed author of Hotel Silence, which received the Icelandic Literary Prize. “Only a great book can make you feel you’re really there, a thousand miles and a generation away. I loved it.” —Kit de Waal, author of My Name is Leon “[A] winning tale of friendship and self-fulfillment.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Book Colloquial Icelandic

Download or read book Colloquial Icelandic written by Daisy L. Neijmann and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-08-14 with total page 417 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Colloquial Icelandic provides a step-by-step course in Icelandic as it is written and spoken today. Combining a user-friendly approach with a thorough treatment of the language, it equips learners with the essential skills needed to communicate confidently and effectively in Icelandic in a broad range of situations. No prior knowledge of the language is required. Key features include: progressive coverage of speaking, listening, reading and writing skills structured, jargon-free explanations of grammar an extensive range of focused and stimulating exercises realistic and entertaining dialogues covering a broad variety of scenarios useful vocabulary lists throughout the text additional resources available at the back of the book, including a full answer key, a grammar summary, bilingual glossaries and English translations of dialogues This second edition has been extensively updated and revised throughout, and includes up-to-date cultural information, an enhanced index, an expanded glossary and completely new audio recordings. Balanced, comprehensive and rewarding, Colloquial Icelandic will be an indispensable resource both for independent learners and for students taking courses in Icelandic. Audio material to accompany the course is available to download free in MP3 format from www.routledge.com/cw/colloquials. Recorded by native speakers, the audio material features the dialogues and texts from the book and will help develop your listening and pronunciation skills. By the end of this course, you will be at Level B2 of the Common European Framework for Languages and at the Intermediate-High on the ACTFL proficiency scales.

Book 69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners

Download or read book 69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners written by Adrian Gee and published by Adrian Gee. This book was released on 2024-09-21 with total page 176 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover a Deeper Connection with "69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners"! Elevate your journey in mastering the Icelandic language with our meticulously curated collection, tailor-made for B1/B2 level learners. This sequel to our beginner's series delves into the heart of Iceland, offering a rich tapestry of stories that bridge the gap between language learning and cultural immersion. Why Choose "69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners" for Your Language Progression? 1. Intermediate Focused: Each story is intricately crafted to challenge and engage intermediate learners, pushing the boundaries of your comprehension and expression in Icelandic. 2. Cultural Immersion: Beyond language, these stories serve as your portal into the depths of Icelandic culture, history, and the soul-stirring landscapes that define this ancient nation. 3. Vocabulary Expansion: Enhance your vocabulary with essential, high-frequency words and phrases, seamlessly integrated into captivating narratives for effective learning and retention. 4. Advanced Grammar in Context: Experience advanced grammatical structures woven naturally into each story, facilitating an intuitive understanding and mastery of complex language patterns. 5. Interactive Learning: Solidify your knowledge with exercises designed to complement each story, testing comprehension and offering immediate feedback to aid in your progression. Standout Features of "69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners": • Targeted Intermediate Content: Specifically designed for B1/B2 learners, this collection raises the bar, offering new challenges and opportunities for growth in your Icelandic language journey. • Deep Dive into Icelandic Culture: Each story is a carefully painted scene of Iceland's traditions, daily life, and the hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the curious learner. • Engaging and Effective: Say goodbye to monotonous language drills. Our stories make learning Icelandic an adventure, captivating your interest while broadening your linguistic and cultural horizons. Unlock the Richness of Icelandic Language and Culture: "69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners" is not just a book; it's a gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Icelandic language. Ideal for anyone looking to enhance their fluency, travelers desiring to enrich their visit to Iceland, or those wishing to connect more profoundly with their Icelandic heritage. Continue your Icelandic language adventure with confidence. Secure your copy of "69 More Short Icelandic Stories for Intermediate Learners" today and take a significant leap toward fluency and cultural comprehension!

Book Icelandic English  English Icelandic Dictionary

Download or read book Icelandic English English Icelandic Dictionary written by Arnold R. Taylor and published by Hippocrene Books. This book was released on 1990 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Contains more than ten thousand alphabetical listings, including English irregular plurals, irregular English verbs, and the gender of Icelandic nouns.

Book How To Live Icelandic

    Book Details:
  • Author : Nína Björk Jónsdóttir
  • Publisher : White Lion Publishing
  • Release : 2021-11-30
  • ISBN : 0711267391
  • Pages : 226 pages

Download or read book How To Live Icelandic written by Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and published by White Lion Publishing. This book was released on 2021-11-30 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This ultimate guide to one of the world's most beautiful and fascinating island nations is packed with travel tips, cultural and historical facts, and insights from Icelanders into how we can all make our lives a little more Icelandic. Known as ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’, Iceland is a country of contrasts, from the enormous glaciers to the active volcanoes, the summer midnight sun to the briefest of winter days, the ancient language to the modern technological innovations. This is a nation with a rich and diverse culture as unique as its stunning landscapes. How to Live Icelandic is the ultimate insider’s guide to this northerly nation. You may have already tried skyr for breakfast and listened to Sigur Rós on your daily commute, but how much do you know about the real Iceland; the locals’ take on this one-of-a-kind island? Icelanders Nína Björk Jónsdóttir and Edda Magnus have put together the highlights of Icelandic music, literature, cultural attitudes, food traditions and celebrations so the rest of the world can benefit from the special blend of old Norse wisdom with liberal modern attitudes. This beautiful book is full of inspiration and insight into this progressive and peaceful nation that has freedom, community and equality at its core, revealing why Iceland remains one of the happiest countries in the world. From the How To Live... series of insightful guides to some of the most intriguing cultures and locations on the planet, other books available include How To Live Japanese, How To Live Korean and How to Live North.

Book Icelandic

Download or read book Icelandic written by Daisy L. Neijmann and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2021-12-30 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Icelandic: An Essential Grammar is a concise and convenient guide to the basic grammatical structure of Icelandic. Presenting a fresh and accessible description of the language, this engaging Grammar uses clear, jargon-free explanations and sets out the complexities of Icelandic in short, readable sections. Each grammar point is illustrated with numerous examples drawn from everyday life, clarifying the grammatical structure in use while providing insight into Icelandic culture. Icelandic: An Essential Grammar is the ideal reference grammar for all learners of Icelandic, whether class-based or independent, looking to progress beyond beginner level.

Book North

    Book Details:
  • Author : Gunnar Karl Gíslason
  • Publisher : Ten Speed Press
  • Release : 2014-09-09
  • ISBN : 1607744996
  • Pages : 354 pages

Download or read book North written by Gunnar Karl Gíslason and published by Ten Speed Press. This book was released on 2014-09-09 with total page 354 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An unprecedented look into the food and culture of Iceland, from Iceland's premier chef and the owner of Reykjavík's Restaurant Dill. Iceland is known for being one of the most beautiful and untouched places on earth, and a burgeoning destination for travelers lured by its striking landscapes and vibrant culture. Iceland is also home to an utterly unique and captivating food scene, characterized by its distinctive indigenous ingredients, traditional farmers and artisanal producers, and wildly creative chefs and restaurants. Perhaps no Icelandic restaurant is as well-loved and critically lauded as chef Gunnar Gíslason’s Restaurant Dill, which opened in Reykjavík’s historic Nordic House in 2009. North is Gíslason’s wonderfully personal debut: equal parts recipe book and culinary odyssey, it offers an unparalleled look into a star chef’s creative process. But more than just a collection of recipes, North is also a celebration of Iceland itself—the inspiring traditions, stories, and people who make the island nation unlike any other place in the world.

Book Icelandic Phrase Book

Download or read book Icelandic Phrase Book written by United States. War Department and published by . This book was released on 1941 with total page 40 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Book Secrets of the Sprakkar

Download or read book Secrets of the Sprakkar written by Eliza Reid and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2022-02 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Canadian first lady of Iceland pens a book about why this tiny nation is leading the charge in gender equality, in the vein of The Moment of Lift. Iceland is the best place on earth to be a woman—but why? For the past twelve years, the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report has ranked Iceland number one on its list of countries closing the gap in equality between men and women. What is it about Iceland that enables its society to make such meaningful progress in this ongoing battle, from electing the world’s first female president to passing legislation specifically designed to help even the playing field at work and at home? The answer is found in the country’s sprakkar, an ancient Icelandic word meaning extraordinary or outstanding women. Eliza Reid—Canadian born and raised, and now first lady of Iceland—examines her adopted homeland’s attitude toward women: the deep-seated cultural sense of fairness, the influence of current and historical role models, and, crucially, the areas where Iceland still has room for improvement. Throughout, she interviews dozens of sprakkar to tell their inspirational stories, and expertly weaves in her own experiences as an immigrant from small-town Canada. The result is an illuminating discussion of what it means to move through the world as a woman and how the rules of society play more of a role in who we view as equal than we may understand. What makes many women’s experiences there so positive? And what can we learn about fairness to benefit our society? Like influential and progressive first ladies Eleanor Roosevelt, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Michelle Obama, Reid uses her platform to bring the best of her nation to the world. Secrets of the Sprakkar is a powerful and atmospheric portrait of a tiny country that could lead the way forward for us all.

Book The Little Book of the Icelanders

Download or read book The Little Book of the Icelanders written by Alda Sigmundsdóttir and published by Little Books Publishing. This book was released on 2022-01-21 with total page 144 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: After more than 20 years away, Alda Sigmundsdottir returned to her native Iceland as a foreigner. With a native person's insight yet an outsider's perspective, Alda quickly set about dissecting the national psyche of the Icelanders. This second edition, from 2018, contains new and updated chapters from the original edition, reflecting the changes in Icelandic society and among the Icelandic people since the book was first published in 2012. Among the fascinating subjects broached in The Little Book of the Icelanders: • The appalling driving habits of the Icelanders • Naming conventions and customs • The Icelanders’ profound fear of commitment • The Icelanders’ irreverence • Why Icelandic women are really men • How the Icelanders manage to make social interactions really complicated • The importance of the family in Icelandic society • Where to go to meet the real Icelanders (and possibly score some free financial advice) • Rituals associated with the most important life events (weddings, confirmations, graduations, and deaths) ... and many more. One chapter leads to the next, creating a continuous chain of storytelling. It feels as if you’re sitting in the author’s kitchen, enjoying a cup of coffee and conversing with her about the quirks of her countrymen, every now and then bursting out laughing. [...] I’m going to heartily recommend The Little Book of the Icelanders, both to fans of Sigmundsdóttir’s blog and those unfamiliar with her work. - Iceland Review Online There aren’t many books I’d recommend reading over morning coffee but The Little Book of the Icelanders is one of them. [...] I laughed at the essays in this book, not because I was laughing at Icelanders but because I recognize much of the behavior in myself and members of my family. It felt good. It’s not just the sanest, most impressive characteristics that we pass on and share but also some of the zaniest. As I read this book, I frequently thought, yup, I’m definitely part Icelandic. - Lögberg-Heimskringla, Canada Excerpt "Even though they live on the edge of the inhabitable world with engulfing darkness for several months of the year, the Icelanders continue to score among the most optimistic people in the world. Is it the fish? The fresh air? The cod liver oil? Natural selection? The copious amounts of anti-depressants they consume? Nobody really knows. However, one thing is sure: this character trait serves Icelanders well and has helped the nation cope with innumerable shocks, from volcanic eruptions to famines, to a massive economic crisis. Whatever happens, you can be sure that the Icelanders will seek the silver lining and soldier on, firmly believing that things will soon get better. Indeed it is fascinating to observe how the Icelanders deal with trauma at a national level. Their initial reaction always seems to be to bond together. People who on regular days will bicker and quarrel amongst themselves, suddenly become enormously supportive of each other. I’ve seen this happen in the aftermath of disasters such as snow avalanches and volcanic eruptions, or tragedies that capture the nation’s attention. Take, for example, the economic meltdown of 2008, which for the Icelanders was one of the most catastrophic events in recent history. Many people feared an onslaught of suicides in the wake of all the bankruptcies that ensued. Yet it turned out that the number of suicides actually declined. According to the Directorate of Health, it was because the nation had bonded together, and people were closer and more supportive of each other than they had been in a very long time. In other words, the optimism is probably a long-term survival strategy. After all, through the centuries of hardship and geographical isolation that the Icelandic nation has endured, defeat was not an option – it was stand together, fight together, or die."

Book Made of Iceland

    Book Details:
  • Author : Reyka
  • Publisher : powerHouse Books
  • Release : 2016-11-08
  • ISBN : 9781576878323
  • Pages : 0 pages

Download or read book Made of Iceland written by Reyka and published by powerHouse Books. This book was released on 2016-11-08 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Iceland is a land full of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and theNorthern Lights, and home to a culture of inventive spirits,steeped in art, ingenuity, creativity, and a long history ofstorytelling. Of course, stories aren't limited to just beingtold with words. Just as often, stories are told with pictures.In Iceland, there is a tradition called "Drink & Draw," wherebar patrons enjoy a cocktail and draw a sketch based ona particular theme. The sketches are then collected andpublished in small booklets. Reyka Vodka has producedthis book to showcase its homeland through a collectionof drawings doodled while enjoying a cocktail, and thenphotographed by Icelandic photographer Snorri Sturluson.Icelandic culture is celebrated through the drawings andthrough a look at different elements that are uniquelyIcelandic-from the music and art, to the food, folklore, andnatural beauty that make Iceland, well, Iceland.

Book Iceland s Bell

    Book Details:
  • Author : Halldor Laxness
  • Publisher : Vintage
  • Release : 2007-12-18
  • ISBN : 0307426319
  • Pages : 446 pages

Download or read book Iceland s Bell written by Halldor Laxness and published by Vintage. This book was released on 2007-12-18 with total page 446 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From the acclaimed Nobel Prize winner: At the close of the 17th century, Iceland is an oppressed Danish colony, suffering under extreme poverty, famine, and plague. A farmer and accused cord-thief named Jon Hreggvidsson makes a bawdy joke about the Danish king and soon after finds himself a fugitive charged with the murder of the king’s hangman. In the years that follow, the hapless but resilient rogue Hreggvidsson becomes a pawn entangled in political and personal conflicts playing out on a far grander scale. Chief among these is the star-crossed love affair between Snaefridur, known as “Iceland’s Sun,” a beautiful, headstrong young noblewoman, and Arnas Arnaeus, the king’s antiquarian, an aristocrat whose worldly manner conceals a fierce devotion to his downtrodden countrymen. As their personal struggle plays itself out on an international stage, Laxness creates a Dickensian canvas of heroism and venality, violence and tragedy, charged with narrative enchantment on every page. Sometimes grim, sometimes uproarious, and always captivating, Iceland's Ball is at once an updating of the traditional Icelandic saga and a caustic social satire.