History of Iceland from Colonization to the Present Day by Jón R. Hjálmarsson

// story // published in 2018 // 240 pages // Mjúk spjöld editions //

A vivid account of the development of the Icelandic nation from colonization over 1,100 years ago to the present day. Comprised of concise, well-researched narratives, written with the general reader in mind, the book traces the glory and achievements of the saga and republican ages, the violent and bloody civil war that led to humiliation and suffering under colonial rule, and the awakening of nationalism that gave rise to a vigorous, modern republic deeply attached to its unique past.

The author, Jón R. Hjálmarsson, studied history and linguistics at the University of Oslo in Norway and education at the University of Iceland and Northwestern University in Illinois. He taught history and was a school principal for several years, and later served as a regional education administrator in southern Iceland. He is the author of several books on history and stories. This book is based, in part, on his experience as a tourist guide in Iceland.