
audiobook
by W. S. C. (Waterman Spaulding Chapman) Russell
FOREWORD
ILLUSTRATIONS
ICELAND - CHAPTER I HISTORICAL
CHAPTER II THE LURE
CHAPTER III THE WAY
CHAPTER IV FAROE
CHAPTER V VESTMANNAEYJAR
CHAPTER VI REYKJAVIK
CHAPTER VII THINGVELLIR
CHAPTER VIII GEYSIR
In this vivid early‑twentieth‑century travelogue the author invites listeners on a journey across Iceland's rugged coastline and volcanic interior. Drawing on four summers of wandering, he blends personal anecdotes with detailed observations of the land—towering waterfalls, steaming geysers, and the stark beauty of volcanic craters. Along the way he introduces the island's unique customs, from the solemn gatherings at Thingvellir to the warm hospitality found in remote farms.
Beyond the scenery, the book offers a thoughtful portrait of Icelandic society, describing how centuries‑old sagas still echo in everyday conversation and how education and community life have evolved in Reykjavik and the out‑lying villages. The author’s encounters with locals—farmers, scholars, and even a guide who leads him up the imposing Hekla volcano—bring a human dimension to the stark terrain. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of the island’s blend of mythic past and the resilient spirit of its people.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (530K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Bryan Ness and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Release date
Aug 8, 2018
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1871–1918
A New Hampshire traveler and early 20th-century writer, he is best remembered for a vivid book on Iceland shaped by firsthand journeys across the island on horseback. His writing blends curiosity, adventure, and a clear affection for Iceland’s landscapes, history, and people.
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