FABULOUS BOOKS Óskar Guðmundsson Snorri

FABULOUS BOOKS Óskar Guðmundsson Snorri — A Biography

Biography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Óskar Guðmundsson (b. 1950) studied history, literature and social sciences at the University of Iceland, in Bremen and in Copenhagen during the seventies. He has worked as an independent academic and writer, and has been involved in the publication of numerous books, both as editor and author.

TRANSLATION Snorri Sturluson – A Biography (Snorri: Ævisaga Snorra Sturlusonar 1179-1241) was published in German by Böhlau Verlag in 2011.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (selection) Biographies: Brautryðjandinn : ævisaga Þórhalls Bjarnarsonar 1855-1916, 2011: Skálholtsútgáfan Snorri: Ævisaga Snorra Sturlusonar 1179-1241, 2009: JPV

History books: Six volumes on the Icelandic middle ages published by Iðunn in 2000-2004.

SNORRI STURLUSON — A BIOGRAPHY Snorri Sturluson (1179–1241) left more of a mark on the history of Iceland and the culture of Western Europe than perhaps any of his fellow countrymen. This biography paints a vivid portrait of an exceptionally talented individual, who had to grapple with kings abroad and chieftains at home, as well as his own children and personal failings. But this man, who struggled against the world more than eight centuries ago, also conquered it through his literature. Snorri Sturluson’s contribution to world literature has deeply influenced the Nordic identity, and the effects of his writing continue to echo down the ages to our own time. With his writings, Snorri preserved evidence of the ancient Germanic cultural heritage; without his contribution, our understanding of medieval culture would be very limited. The best-known of his writings is undoubtedly the Prose Edda, in which he recorded legends and lore of Norse mythology. The Edda is the principal source for the nature of the pagan medieval world- view. This is the first comprehensive biography of one of the most renowned and influential figures who has ever lived in Iceland. The book brings a uniquely important historical figure closer to the modern reader in an accessible, yet scholarly biography that lifts the veil of some of Iceland’s most intriguing historical figures, and conjures up memorable images of cunning individuals and harrowing events. Óskar Guðmundsson was well qualified to undertake this huge task: to portray in coherent form the life of a man who lived nearly eight centuries ago. A journalist and editor for many years in various media, for about 15 years Óskar has been an independent scholar, and has been involved, as editor and author alike, in many publishing projects. His work on the life of Snorri Sturluson began more than a decade ago. During that time, he also published six volumes on the Icelandic middle ages in the Aldir/Centuries series, covering the period from the settlement of Iceland in the 9th century until the 15th. While writing the biography, he was as close to his subject as a contemporary person can be: for the past years he has been living in Reykholt in Borgarfjörður, Snorri's medieval homestead, where a modern research centre, Snorrastofa, is named in his honour. 350 pp

REVIEWS “Guðmundsson's solid and ambitious book is now available in German – a rock in the TEXT EXAMPLE midst of this autumn's tide of Icelandic titles .” (Neue Zürcher Zeitung)

“A panoramic portrait of a medieval life.” (Radio Bremen)

“In his treatment of Snorri's life and works, Guðmundsson steers clear of unnecessary sentimentality and saccharine prose – and with view to the deeply moving life in question, he has no need for these things. With the utmost care and a critical eye, he has built a monument to one of Iceland's most significant authors ... An indespensible and recommended reference work on the exceptional Icelander Snorri Sturluson .” (literaturkritik.de)

“… a real masterpiece ... the text is terse and sharp, extremely readable and written with mature genius.” (DV newspaper)

RIGHTS

Forlagið Publishing Bræðraborgarstíg 7 101 Reykjavík Iceland Tel: +354 / 575 5600 Fax: +354 / 575 5601 [email protected], [email protected]

www.forlagid.is

CONTACT

The Icelandic Literature Sagenhaftes Island Fund Ministry of Science, Education Austurstræti 18 and Culture 101 Reykjavik Sölvhólsgötu 4 Island 150 Reykjavík [email protected] Iceland Tel: +354 / 545 9451