Most Unimaginably Strange: An Eclectic Companion to the Landscape of Iceland

(Hardback)

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Description

Described by William Morris as Most Unimaginably Strange, the landscape of Iceland has fascinated and inspired travellers, scientists, artists and writers throughout history. This book provides a contemporary understanding of the landscape as a whole, not only its iconic glaciers and volcanoes, but also its deserts, canyons, plants and animals.

The book takes in historic and modern scientific explications of the landscape and animals, as well as accounts of early visitors to the land. These were fascinating people, some eccentric but most drawn to Iceland by a fascination with all things northern, a desire to experience the land of the sagas, or plain scientific and touristic curiosity. Featuring many spectacular illustrations, this is a fine exploration of a most singular landscape.

Reviews

"A most impressive work. Travelers to Iceland in the nineteenth century did not see the land as it was, but more as they expected it to be: an exotic landscape. Caseldine takes a different approach, traveling through the history and topography of Iceland with great understanding and knowledge of his subject. It is highly recommended to anyone who loves to explore the unknown." -- Sigurdur Gylfi Magnusson, Professor of Cultural History, University of Iceland

Author Bio

Chris Caseldine is professor emeritus of quaternary environmental change at the University of Exeter. He collaborated with poet Alyson Hallett on Six Days in Iceland.