Letters on Iceland
Containing Observations Made during a Voyage Undertaken in the Year 1772 by Joseph Banks, Esq.

A collection of letters documenting an exploratory voyage to Iceland, written by a Swedish archbishop and first published in 1780.

Uno von Troil (Author)

9781108031899, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 2 June 2011

438 pages, 1 b/w illus. 1 map
21.6 x 14 x 2.5 cm, 0.55 kg

Swedish archbishop Uno von Troil (1746–1803) had a lifelong enthusiasm for travel and scientific study which led him to accompany the famous naturalist Sir Joseph Banks (1743–1820) on an expedition to Iceland in 1772. Banks was already well known for his role as botanist on Captain Cook's first voyage on the Endeavour, which mapped the Pacific and uncharted parts of Australia and New Zealand. This book, first published in 1780, is a compilation of letters written by von Troil, documenting the tour of Iceland. The letters describe volcanos and other geological features as well as providing meteorological information and an account of the northern lights. Through his amiable and enthusiastic correspondence, von Troil paints a picture of the Icelandic people, their national character and culture, including their diet and occupations. Also featured is an account of the religious history of Iceland and the organisation of the Icelandic church.

Introduction
1. On the effects of fire in Iceland
2. Of Iceland in general
3. On the constitution of the country
4. Of the arrival of the Norwegians, the government and laws in Iceland
5. Concerning ecclesiastical affairs in Iceland
6. Of the character and manner of life of the Icelanders
7. Of the dress of the Icelanders
8. Of the houses and buildings of the Icelanders
9. Of the food of the Icelanders
10. Of the employment of the Icelanders, and their chronology
11. Of the diseases of Iceland
12. Of fishing and fowling, and the breed of cattle in Iceland
13. Of the trade of Iceland
14. Of Icelandic literature
15. Of printing in Iceland
16. Of the remains of antiquity in Iceland
17. Of Icelandic poetry
18. Of the volcanos in Iceland
19. The subject continued
20. Of Mount Heckla
21. Of the hot spouting water springs in Iceland
22. Of the pillars of basalt
to which is subjoined Mr. Bank's curious account of the island of Staffa
23. From Chev. Ihre to Dr. Troil, concerning the Edda
24. From Chev. Bach to Dr. Troil, of the Icelandic Elephantiasis
25. From Prof. Bergman to Dr. Troil, of the effects of fire both at the volcanos and the hot springs, and also of the basaltes.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC]