Iceland Books

Lonely Planet Iceland

Fran Parnell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Whaling in Iceland?!? 2 out of 5 stars.
0 of 43 people found this review helpful.

I was saddened by the fact that Iceland chooses to whale hunt. I cannot believe the ignorance of a country in this day in age. This made me so distraught that I cancelled my trip to Iceland. Hopefully, with a down turn in tourism they will think about the effects of whaling and cancel that program.

Stop killing endangered species!!!

Editorial Review:

Test the echo while swimming in warm blue waters inside a Volcano at Viti crater, p308.

Play the wild thing and join the runtur, a mad pub-crawl around Reykjavik's progressive nightlife, p98.

Break the silence as you roar across Vatnajokull icecap on a snowmobile, p294.

See the fjords in a new light on a guided midnight kayaking tour, p264.

Two expert authors and over 800 hours of on-the-ground research.
New inspirational itineraries for chasing the northern lights or finding a summer spot to whitewater raft

Get an Icelander's perspective on immigration, religion and the current music scene in an all-new Culture chapter

The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman

Nancy Marie Brown

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. She landed in the New World and lived there for three years, giving birth to a baby before sailing home. Or so the Icelandic sagas say. Even after archaeologists found a Viking longhouse in Newfoundland, no one believed that the details of Gudrid’s story were true. Then, in 2001, a team of scientists discovered what may have been this pioneering woman’s last house, buried under a hay field in Iceland, just where the sagas suggested it could be.

Joining scientists experimenting with cutting-edge technology and the latest archaeological techniques, and tracing Gudrid’s steps on land and in the sagas, Nancy Marie Brown reconstructs a life that spanned—and expanded—the bounds of the then-known world. She also sheds new light on the society that gave rise to a woman even more extraordinary than legend has painted her and illuminates the reasons for its collapse.

Frommer's Iceland (Frommer's Complete)

Evan Spring, Zoë Preston

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $21.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Frommers Amazon Marketplace: 42 new & used starting at $11.77

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Editorial Review:

Experience Iceland’s amazing diversity and many attractions the way the locals do with America’s #1 bestselling travel series. Frommer’s Iceland is a complete guide to everything Iceland has to offer, from cosmopolitan city Reykjavik to outdoor activities like taking a dip in natural thermal pools. No matter what your age, desired activity level, or interests, this guide will show you exactly how you can enjoy Iceland. Utilize the outspoken opinions, exact prices, suggested itineraries, detailed map, off-the-beaten-path experiences, undiscovered gems and an easy-to-read two-color design for a customized adventure.

Iceland: Land of the Sagas

Jon Krakauer, David Roberts

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Slight Disappointment 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Well, I must admit a slight "prejudice" regarding this book. I bought it because I've already read all the other books by Jon Krakauer (and loved every one a bunch!). But, this book is quite different from any other that Krakauer has been involved in. Right on the front cover it says "Photographs by Jon Krakauer Text by David Roberts" so I guess I shouldn't really have been all that surprised by the "difference." In fact, I have no choice but to believe that virtually everything that Jon Krakauer lays his hands on turns to gold somehow (this book is no different in this regard), since he absolutely has to be a severely super-experienced pro explorer, mountain climber, skier, paddler, writer and now, photographer, as well, judging from all he's written. If anything, he "under" emphasizes the feelings and emotions, at least, for those of us who've had at least a small taste of the miseries, dangers and pitfalls-- weather can play a big role-- that befall nearly every person who does these things. At some point, if your heart is in it at all, you'll get the crap scared out of you big time, unless you are completely out of your mind, either due to drugs, insanity or whatever. Krakauer is amazing at writing about all of this and more, but you'll find none of that in this book, at least none written by Krakauer. Nonetheless, as I said, Krakauer does anything and everything to perfection and with class, and in this book the text by David Roberts is nothing to boo-hoo at all. He is the equal of Krakauer in his own writing style and he tells great stories which are parts of the endless "sagas" that go on for centuries there, part of ordinary everyday life and culture for an Icelander, but a strange curiosity for foreigners from afar. Krakauer deferred to Roberts here most likely for a couple reasons; because he thought Roberts knew more and could write easier and with better results regarding Iceland, and he probably wanted to focus on developing yet another great natural talent of his own, photography, especially in such a surreal and amazingly different place that most peoples of the world aren't very familiar with. I'm guessing here, but the end results are superb. I know there are the little issues of content and various criticisms about whether they covered Iceland in a "balanced" and "informative" way, or whether the photos really represent the "true Iceland" that you'd see and experience should you take a "normal" vacation there (if there is such a thing). But those types of travel info books can be gotten by buying the title "Iceland" from any number of companies like Frommers or Fodors to many lesser known and more colorfully illustrated travel books that may or may not have as current of info as these well-known ones. I'm sure this is NOT the genre that Roberts and Krakauer had in mind when doing this book. Their book should be in that genre, too, but is very much more than that and I can definitely recommend it for anyone interested in Iceland, whether you have been there, are going there soon or maybe never will go there, but just want to know about the place. This title must be on your Iceland (or Jon Krakauer or David Roberts) list, whether short or long!

Editorial Review:

A pictorial classic on one of the last "undiscovered" countries is offered by David Roberts and Jon Krakauer, author of "Into Thin Air". While touring and photographing a landscape of remarkable variety, the authors survive numerous adventures and discover the myths and legends of Iceland's stirring history. Full color.

Iceland (Bradt Travel Guide)

Andrew Evans

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best book on Iceland available 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Andrew Evans clearly knows his stuff. His guide to Iceland is at the same time comprehensive and concise, encyclopedic and to-the-point. He provides both the intrepid backpacker and the urbane traveler with everything they'll need to know about how to get the most out of a visit to this exotic little island, without going broke, getting lost, freezing or getting scalded. His tips and insights are quirkily funny, preternaturally useful and spot-on in accuracy.
Leave the "Lonely Planet" behind--this book is all you'll need, regardless of whether you're doing a 2-night stopover on your way to Europe, or a summer-long, whole-island trek.

Editorial Review:

Exotic, yet conveniently close, Iceland attracts a majority of visitors from North America and the rest of Europe. With its colossal glaciers, vast lava flows and thundering waterfalls, the country’s primordial landscape awards visitors with unforgettable vistas and incredible trekking beneath the glowing northern lights. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, an independent traveler on a budget, or a comfort-seeking tourist, author Andrew Evans shows you how to do it – ‘Icelander’ style – at this trendy, eco-friendly destination.

Best of Reykjavik

Fran Parnell

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

What a Little Gem 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

My wife and I spent 4 days in Reykjavik a couple of weeks ago, and we found this little gem of a book to be invaluable in guiding us through our first vacation experience in Iceland. Reading the book, it was clear that the author had lived there at some point, and more importantly, that she understood Icelandic people well. All the recommendations, whether for hotels, restaurants, tours, etc. were extremely helpful, and the recommendations were right on; none dissapointed. The map on the back of the book was even more helpful than the one we received at the hotel. In short, we carried this little book everywhere. Great Lonely Planet guide; I highly recommend it.

Editorial Review:

Reykjavík oozes charm like magma. A city of paradoxes, a manic night out on the runtur is followed by blissful relaxation in steaming geothermal pools. Volcanic wilderness contrasts with modern architecture, Viking heritage is paired with slick, stylish museums and galleries. Lit by midnight sun or under a constant cover of darkness, discover the warm welcome of Europe’s northern-most capital with this inspirational guide.

Explore geysers and epic rift valleys or watch for whales with our inspiring itineraries and tours

Dine Out on the freshest seafood and drink brennivín in stylish cafés and gourmet restaurants

Run The Runtur – the best of the city’s hedonistic pubs, bars and clubs for weekend partying

Rest Your Head – accommodation to suit every budget from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses

Find Your Way with our easy-to-use grid-referenced maps

The First Crossing of Greenland

Fridtjof Nansen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Over the history of polar exploration towers one titanic father figure - Fridtjof Nansen. That a little known researcher in neurology from Bergen Museum was able to put together one of the first great journeys of exploration of our time is a tribute to the extraordinary force and magnetism of his personality. That he should show such extraordinary innovation in the use of sledges and skis, such attention to detail in areas such as diet and the make of sleeping bag is equally extraordinary. Although Nansen's success is overshadowed by the epic voyage of the Fram, his journey across Greenland in 1888 (eight attempts before him had failed) remains one of the most astonishing on record. Even the Eskimos were to regard his achievement in awe: '...now you will travel to the unknown world out there, you will possibly forget us among all the people, but we will never forget you.' On his return Nansen became a living legend - a third of the population of Oslo came out to greet him and he was awarded a sinecure for the rest of his life. His Greenland journey and the ensuring lecture tour inspired a surge in exploration across Europe. This, the first modern edition of The First Crossing of Greenland, removes the technical appendices, the historical sections on previous attempts to penetrate the ice field, and the detailed account of the Eskimos. The record of the incredible journey, however, remains intact.

Insight Guides Iceland

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Editorial Review:

Fully revised and updated, this 352-page guide to Iceland presents the country's highlights in a comprehensive format, illustrated with hundreds of full-colour photographs and 16 maps. This title includes key features such as: Places - region-by-region gazetteer section covering the whole of Iceland, with top attractions highlighted and cross-referenced with detailed local maps; Essay Features - incisive essays on Iceland's history, people and culture, from its pioneering origins to its present-day popularity as one of Europe's favourite party destinations; and Travel Tips - practical listings section, including accommodation, entertainment, transport and essential contact addresses and numbers.

Iceland Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs)

Rowland Mead

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The handy pocket-size guide is packed with useful information, tips and recommendations, accompanied by colour photographs, charts and maps for the first-time traveller who wants to experience the major highlights that Iceland has to offer. This travel book surpasses other guides in that it incorporates essential information in an easy-to-carry and easy-to-read format that is attractive and useful at the same time. It provides a visitor with an invaluable introduction to Iceland by concisely highlighting the country’s ‘must see’ areas in a practical and user-friendly format, thus encouraging the tourist to make the most of his/her available time. All the essential information you need to get around an unfamiliar country is compacted into useful and practical ‘At-a-Glance’ sections at the end of each chapter. The fold-out map of Iceland is ideal for tourists and visitors. In addition to the main map of Iceland, which highlights places of interest , it features 5 detailed area maps and 8 town plans.

Greenland & The Arctic (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

Etain O'Carroll, Mark Elliott

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Perfect for those few travellers headed to Greenland 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

Apart from Antarctica, this is the most obscure place covered by LP. Half of the book (about 165pp) is specifically about Greenland in the customary LP format, and the remainder is about other Arctic regions. (One tidbit: It is impossible to fly to Nuuk, the capitol, without changing planes in another Greenlandic town.)

This guide covers a casserole of places that cannot conceivably be visited on a single itinerary, because so few Arctic air routes cross national borders. For example, charter flights between Canada (Iqaluit) and Greenland were terminated after the book went to press, so now it's impossible to fly from North America to Greenland without going through Europe.

Alaskan coverage is only Fairbanks and points north; Yukon is Dawson and north. The Inuvik region and nearly all of Nunavut are covered. Places like Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Anchorage are too far south to be covered in this volume, which is unfortunate because it's impossible to reach northern Alaska without passing through either Anchorage or Whitehorse.

Also covered are Arctic Russia, northern Norway (town of Mo and north), and northern Finland (Rovaniemi and north). The end result is a book that's fun to read but of doubtful utility except for those few Greenland-bound travellers.

Editorial Review:

Kayak past towering icebergs, dog-sled frozen tundra to picture-postcard villages, marvel at the midnight sun or dancing northern lights - Greenland and the Arctic are the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable experience. Whether you crave quiet solitude or bold adventure, this inspiring and practical guide takes you to the heart of the cold north.

• EXPLORING MADE EASY - slumber in colorful cottages, dine on reindeer or sail the coast in style, with our extensive, practical listings

• PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE - inspiring itineraries for exploring the Arctic Circle, from Lapland to Deadhorse, Nuuk to the North Pole

• GET BENEATH THE SURFACE - topical coverage of cultural and environmental issues affecting the region, with chapters on indigenous peoples and Arctic research projects

• AMAZING ENDEAVORS - from Norse voyages to legendary explorers, storybrook adventures uncovered in our dedicated history and exploration chapters