Ho hum. At first I was excited, because Jon Krakauer had a hand in this book. Unfortunately, he just took the pictures - which are spectacular - but the writing is lackluster. I'm not big into myths, and that's what this entire book is about. Interesting note, though: Iceland was settled by a Norwegian.

Sagas. Are they real? Are they just stories? An Interesting way to present Iceland to a reader. Trolls and witches and shape shifters are not of the Disney Variety, but dark and violent and accompanied by beautiful photography from Jon Krakauer, makes the reader live the history of this country. This is not a dull history lesson, but a description of a people still using the same language that has never changed. The crazy convoluted struggle to leave pagan ways behind and embrace Christianity, was interesting and so was the chapter on the women of Iceland.....strong and beautiful. I think this history will come alive on my trip to Iceland.

David Roberts and Jon Krakauer's exploration of Iceland is based on the sagas of the past. Through those tales their journeys and photo's take the reader across the vast island, exploring each coast, inlet and town. As they go, they intertwine the heroes and lore from the 9th century and tie them to the modern Icelander and landscape. You can still see the spot where Grettir split a man's head in half with his intestines hanging out and then dove to his death off the cliffs of Drangey!

It's a fascinating look at a country whose people are still reflections of it's violent and beautiful past and the landscape itself is enough to inspire future sagas and my own travels there! (sooner rather than later)

Stunning photographs and an excellent historical and sagalistic account of Iceland's landscape and history. I learned that the word for god send, literally translates as stranded whale. Really made me want to read/reread some of the sagas.

I read this book preparatory to visiting Iceland and found it fascinating. The sagas are myths that provide the historical underpinnings of a unique country, and are quite different from other European mythology. Iceland's sagas, as explained here, are somewhat anti-heroic, or at least, full of heroes that are deeply flawed and usually pay the price for it. These stories play out in feuds, fights, retaliation and sometimes extraordinary feats of strength. The fact that the sagas are still told and firmly embraced by modern Icelanders makes me very curious about the people I'll meet on my upcoming trip. The photos by Jon Krakauer are breathtaking and MUST be seen. He captures the exotic landscape of this volcanically-created, geothermically active land beautifully.

Before saying anything else I have to confess that I'm biased and this may have affected my rating. I love Iceland...and Krakauer.

The pictures are truly timeless. They are beautiful and so unlike anything else on earth. The text is outdated. Many things have changed in the 25 years since this book was published. Many things though, have stayed the same.

There were many references to different sagas. The fact that so many of the landmarks in these hundreds of years old tales remain the same is simply astounding. It seems to connect Icelanders to their past in a way no other nation has. I find that connection incredibly interesting.

Found this mostly helpful in preparation for a trip to Iceland, but, as it was published back in 1990, much has changed. I did enjoy the summaries of the sagas and their relationship to the geographical features of the landscape, as well as the historical information, which made the tourist sites I visited more meaningful. Still, a map might have helped in referencing the areas discussed in the text. Actually found this more useful than the Lonely Planet guide to Iceland I bought, which was nearly worthless, the info was so incorrect and/or outdated. Photos really capture the sense of the landscape, including the perpetually grey summer skies.

beautiful photos and interesting information about the sagas of iceland.

Good background to the sagas and character of Iceland. Interesting that Krakauer did the photos and not the writing.

Having lived in Iceland for four years, the pictures are right on, definitely brought back good memories. Text a little dry but well researched.

An informative interweaving of Icelandic history and legend. Just makes me want to go more.

Beautiful photography and intriguing stories of Iceland. A unique history.