Iceland
Its Volcanoes, Geysers, and Glaciers

An engaging 1860 account of travels through Iceland, and of its landscapes, way of life and culture.

Charles Stuart Forbes (Author)

9781108061209, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 27 June 2013

368 pages, 22 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.1 cm, 0.468 kg

The nineteenth century saw an influx of British travellers to Iceland, drawn by growing interest in its saga literature or by the potential for scientific discovery offered by its volcanic and glacial landscapes. Charles Stuart Forbes (1829–76), an officer in the Royal Navy, was one of these adventurers. In this work, first published in 1860, he gives a vivid and detailed account of his journeys across the island, conveying his wonder at its natural phenomena and sharing his observations on its history, culture and way of life. A fervent supporter of Garibaldi, Forbes went on to publish in 1861 The Campaign of Garibaldi in the Two Sicilies (also reissued in this series). While making little reference here to the growing movement for independence from Denmark, the present work, written with colour and wit, remains an engaging source of information on Iceland.

1. Prefatory
2. The 'Leviathan'
3. Physical glance at Iceland
4. Thea, the maidservant
5. To Thingvalla and back
6. To Krisuvir and back
7. Journey to Borgar Fiord
8. Calm sabbath morn
9. Utilegu-menn
10. Reykholt to Snaefells Yökul
11. To Snaefells Yökul
12. Grundar Fiord to Reykholt
13. Reykholt to geyser
14. Early Icelandic notices of the geysers
15. Geyser to Hekla
16. Volcanic history of Iceland
17. Of Saemundr the Learned
18. Storuvellir, Hraungeroi, Reykir, Reykjavik
19. Leisure for fishing and leave-taking.

Subject Areas: Historical geography [HBTP]