

History of Iceland
Knut Gjerset
http://www.adfreebooks.com - 1000+ audiobooks, all ad free!Iceland, the saga island, lying on the very borders of the unknown, has attracted much attention ever since the time when the enigmatic name Thule was the only knowledge possessed of a land in this distant region of the earth. In modern times commercial intercourse with Iceland has grown rapidly, and numerous travelers are visiting the island because of its literary fame, its picturesque scenery, and the charming hospitality and simple rural life of the people. Numerous books have been written about Iceland, but most of these have been written from the tourist's point of view. But now that Iceland is a sovereign state, the world may want to know something of the history of this island nation living apart within the lonely shadows of the arctic circle. Scarcely anything which could be written about Iceland could be of more real interest than the people's own saga, the story of their national development, their unique political institutions, their social life, their literary achievements, their economic struggles, their patient sufferings, their hard won victories in their distant and inhospitable island kingdom which they have loved so dearly and built so well.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2024 • 55min
Union of Norway and Iceland. Growing Ascendancy of the Clergy

Mar 27, 2024 • 32min
The Reformation in Iceland, Part 2

Mar 27, 2024 • 46min
The Reformation in Iceland, Part 1
Delve into the tumultuous imposition of the Lutheran Reformation in Iceland during a time of national decline. The struggle between Catholic bishops and Lutheran reformers unfolds amidst political chaos in Denmark and Norway. Tensions escalate with secretive efforts by bishops to maintain Catholicism, showcasing violent confrontations and deep-rooted convictions. The execution of Bishop Jan and his sons in 1550 sparks outrage and highlights the community’s fierce loyalty to their faith, even in the face of Danish oppression.

Mar 27, 2024 • 55min
Romanticism in Iceland. Struggle for Autonomy. The Icelandic Constitution of 1874. Improved Economic Conditions, Part 2

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
Struggle for Independence. Iceland Proclaimed a Sovereign State. Recent Economic Development
Dive into Iceland's remarkable journey towards independence from Denmark, marked by a quest for autonomy and constitutional reform. Explore the political upheaval and public protests that culminated in the declaration of Iceland as a sovereign kingdom. Discover the economic transformation of the early 20th century, focusing on advancements in fisheries and agriculture that fueled growth. Experience the vibrant evolution of Reykjavik, with its unique blend of modern architecture and breathtaking coastlines, all while highlighting the nation's outstanding social order.

Mar 27, 2024 • 22min
Realism in Icelandic Literature. Modern Intellectual Life in Iceland

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
Great Calamities. The Danish Trade Monopoly. New Literary Activity
Explore Iceland's tumultuous past, marked by pirate raids and trade monopolies that devastated its peasantry. Discover how Icelanders struggled against Danish control, fighting for reform amid economic hardships. Witness a cultural transformation influenced by enlightenment ideas and notable figures in literature. Learn about a pivotal reformer in the late 18th century, whose contributions sparked a literary revival and shaped Iceland's identity, blending ancient heritage with modern aspirations.

Mar 27, 2024 • 37min
Commerce with Iceland During the Napoleonic Wars. The Adventurer Jørgen Jørgensen. Improvement of Economic Conditions after 1814
Explore the economic turmoil in Iceland during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting the impact of restrictive trade monopolies and ship seizures. Discover the adventures of a Danish explorer attempting to reshape governance in Iceland amid widespread food shortages. Delve into the rise of educational reforms and the struggle for national identity as Iceland began to chart its own course post-war. This narrative reveals the interplay between international conflicts and local aspirations, shedding light on a pivotal era in Iceland’s history.

Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 9min
The Sturlung Period of Civil War
Dive into the Sturlung period, where civil war ripped through Iceland due to fierce power struggles among local chieftains. Personal conflicts escalated into bloody battles filled with shifting loyalties and betrayals. Witness the rise of royal influence as alliances formed and crumbled, highlighted by the involvement of a key bishop. The narrative weaves through chaos, revealing treacherous rivalries that led to significant political maneuvers and shifting allegiances, all culminating in a dramatic death of a leader.

Mar 27, 2024 • 49min
Romanticism in Iceland. Struggle for Autonomy. The Icelandic Constitution of 1874. Improved Economic Conditions, Part 1
Explore the influence of Romanticism on Icelandic identity and the surge of national pride in the 19th century. Discover how poets and intellectuals played a crucial role in a literary revival, fueling cultural aspirations. Delve into the struggle for autonomy under Danish rule and the push for Icelandic self-governance. The discussion highlights key figures advocating for reforms and the efforts to reclaim a unique Icelandic heritage through language and literature.


