How Iceland Changed the World

The Big History of a Small Island

De: Egill Bjarnason

Narrado por: Einar Gunn

"[A] joyously peculiar book." -- The New York Times

‘Bjarnason’s intriguing book might be about a cold place, but it’s tailor-made to be read on the beach.’ –New Statesman

The untold story of how one tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic has shaped the world for centuries.

The history of Iceland began 1,200 years ago, when a frustrated Viking captain and his useless navigator ran aground in the middle of the North Atlantic. Suddenly, the island was no longer just a layover for the Arctic tern. Instead, it became a nation whose diplomats and musicians, sailors and soldiers, volcanoes and flowers, quietly altered the globe forever. How Iceland Changed the World takes readers on a tour of history, showing them how Iceland played a pivotal role in events as diverse as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing, and the foundation of Israel. Again and again, one humble nation has found itself at the frontline of historic events, shaping the world as we know it, How Iceland Changed the World paints a lively picture of just how it all happened.

Iceland is pretty cool

This is a latitude of the globe I never thought I would want to visit. After listening to this book, I could hang out with the locals forever. I could deal with claustrophobia, six months of darkness, and volcano threats if I was in the company of Bjarnason’s wonderful neighbors.

A good introduction to Iceland.

It is a very good introduction to history, geography and mentality the people of Iceland. With broad strokes the author is able to paint a humorous realistic picture of the country and its influence on world stage.

Informative and entertaining

My only regret, after listening to this book, was that I did not listen to it prior to my trip to Iceland. Knowing the history of the country would have made it even better. The only reason I booked a trip to Iceland was to accommodate a friend who wanted to go there. She ended up dropping out of the trip but I went any way and was so happy I did. It’s a starkly beautiful country with an interesting culture. This book temps me to go back and see even more of it.

A Fascinating Place

I have always been fascinated by Iceland and its role in creating important medieval literature like the Prose Edda. But it turns out I really didn't know very much about it. For example, I always think of it as very tiny, but it is actually half the size of the United Kingdom—roughly the size of the state of Ohio. And its people, location, and volcanoes have helped to shape the development of the world—all without a military.

If you study Early Modern European history, you have doubtless read about the Little Ice Age (an important cooling of global temperatures). I did not realize it resulted from volcanic eruptions in Iceland. Need a base to hold off Nazis in World War II? It turns out that Iceland was incredibly well positioned for such activity.

But more than that, Bjarnson helps the reader to get to know a rather unique people, how they won their independence, and their role in the modern world. It's a very interesting book.

History with humor.

I’m assuming this was read by the author. It was full of facts and history, but told in the most colorful way that often made me laugh out loud. Great preview for my upcoming trip to Iceland this winter.