Part 1: colonization and Commonwealth, 870-1260. Part 2: under the rule of foreign kings, 1264-1800; a primitive society struggles for independence, 1800-1918; a transformed society - the 20th century.

'For the first time in many years, a history of Iceland has appeared in English which really does its multifaceted subject justice. Beginning with colonisation around the year 87, it concludes with the year 2000, having taken the reader through Iceland's period of foreign domination, by the Norwegians, then the English and finally the Danes, who ruled the country until 1944. Politics, religion, economics and technological innovation are covered in detail, while the role of women and literature, ancient and modern, including, of course, the sagas, are also discussed' -Neil Kent, Times Literary Supplement'This is a truly important book and there is nothing like it available. [A...] I was enthralled reading this. [A...] It will fill the needs of all types of readers interested in Iceland, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe. It will A... become the major work.' -Jesse Byrock, Professor of Icelandic Studies, University of California