Book description
Iceland in centuries past was a formidable place to live. Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the edge of the inhabitable world, the nation was both isolated and abjectly poor. Centuries of colonization translated into oppression and subjugation from the colonial overlords, and a hostile climate and repeated natural disasters meant that mere survival was a challenge to even the hardiest of souls. In these 50 miniature essays, Alda Sigmundsdottir writes about the Icelanders in centuries past in a light and humorous way, yet never without admiration and respect for the resilience and strength they showed in coping with conditions of adversity that are barely imaginable today. Their ways of interacting with the natural world are described, as are their sometimes tragic, sometimes ingenious, means of dealing with maltreatment and injustice from the church and other rulers. These forms of oppression include a trade monopoly imposed by Denmark that lasted nearly two centuries, a ban on dancing that lasted for a similar length of time, the forced dissolution of households when the breadwinner of the family died, the tyranny of merchants granted exclusive right to trade with the Icelanders, and the dreaded decrees of the Grand Judgement-a court of law that was set up to punish various offenses, real or imagined. Yet it is not only the "big picture" that is described in this book, but also the various smaller aspects that shed light on the daily life of the Icelanders of old. These include their ingenious ways of coping with lack, of preserving food, of finding shelter, of creating or admitting light into their homes, as well as the innumerable and sometimes wacky superstitions attached to various life events, big and small. The hilarious customs of hospitality and visiting are also described, as are some of the sexual activates of Icelanders in the past, their belief in elves and hidden people, sexual interactions with hidden people (!), ways of dealing with grief, interactions with foreigners, and much, much more. Today's Iceland is a modern, cosmopolitan place, with one of the highest standards of living in the world. Yet less than a century ago, this paragon of equality and peace was the poorest society in Europe. The conditions of life described in this book are therefore not very distant from the Icelanders today, and many of the aspects described are still very much reflected in Iceland's unique culture. In short, The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days is not only a funny, witty, and wise exposé on the Icelanders' daily life in the past, it is also essential to understanding the Icelandic national character today. Among the fascinating subjects broached in The Little Book of the Icelanders in the Old Days: - How Icelanders' housing developed from stately longhouses to tiny turf farms- The kvöldvaka: how Icelanders managed to live through the long, dark winters- Social structure among the common folk (farmers to vagabonds)- All the superstitions: how folks attempted to gain control over their lives- The elf belief deconstructed: why did those tales of hidden people develop?- No time to be a kid (being a child was tough in the Iceland of old)- Sex and the church (yep, Icelandic ecclesiastical authorities also meddled in people's sex lives)- Precious, precious food. How do you live on the edge of the inhabitable world, where hardly anything grows?- Welcoming guests: smooching and other etiquettes- Foreigners in Iceland. Think Iceland had no visitors back then? Think again!... and so much more!
Marbles
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I always have access to my favorite content. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver! I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
Scare Stone
My workouts have become more enjoyable and productive with ListenBook's compatibility with Apple Watch. Downloading audio from network devices is a brilliant feature. It's incredibly convenient.
Storm Master
I've discovered authors I'd never heard of before, and now they're among my favorites. Mood-based playlists help me choose books that suit my current state of mind. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook's interface is not just aesthetically pleasing; it's also highly functional. Navigating through chapters and controls is a breeze. ListenBook’s support for CarPlay is great. I can listen to audiobooks in my car easily.
Wildcat Appaloosa
Audiobooks have become a part of my self-care routine, thanks to this app. The audio filters in ListenBook allow me to customize my listening experience. Speed up or slow down playback—it's all up to me! ListenBook is more than just an app – it's a doorway to a world of knowledge and imagination. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a fantastic way to introduce them to captivating stories. A wonderful performance! The narrator captured the mood of the book perfectly, making it easy to visualize each scene. The audio quality was crisp, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
Back Bett
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. I can't get enough of this app's intuitive controls – it's the perfect way to indulge in audiobooks. This app has brought back the joy of reading, no matter how busy I am. Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and visually appealing.
Daffy Girl
ListenBook's dedication to delivering an exceptional experience is evident in every detail. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. 💃 Dancing through chores with audiobooks – this app turns cleaning into a lively and literary affair! 🎶📚 I'm blown away by the app's performance. It's fast, reliable, and tailored for audiobook lovers. Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Soiled Dove
🎧 Fueling my audiobook addiction with this fantastic app – pure listening pleasure! 📚🔥 ListenBook's sharing options make it easy for me to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks!
Boost Princess
ListenBook has completely changed my audiobook experience – it's like having a personal audio library. I'm hooked on this app – it's my escape to different worlds and adventures. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature! Listening stats keep me motivated to read more. Great addition! The app’s design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Spoiler
The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Trigger Warming
CUE playlist support is a thoughtful feature that keeps my audiobook listening organized and enjoyable. ListenBook’s audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. The app is perfect for long commutes. It keeps me entertained for hours. What a fantastic listening experience! The narrator brought the characters to life with distinct voices and emotional depth. The pacing was perfect - not too fast to lose details, not too slow to become boring. I particularly appreciated how well the narrator conveyed the atmosphere of key scenes.
Danger Menace
ListenBook has enriched my life with a diverse range of content, all at my fingertips. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Easy sharing with friends via AirDrop. Very convenient.
THRESHmSTR
ListenBook's multiple ways to download audio, including from the internet, are a game-changer. ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook has brought stories back into my life, making every moment a new adventure. Quick access to chapters is so handy. Navigating through content is a breeze. No more converting files – this app effortlessly handles various formats, saving me time and effort.
Nueva Nova
Audiobooks made accessible and enjoyable – this app's design is a triumph. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh. The playback history is a great feature. I can easily revisit my favorite parts. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Free Ham
Listening to audiobooks on this app has become my favorite way to relax. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature for those who enjoy organized and structured listening. Beautiful design and intuitive interface. Very pleased. The app is worth every penny. It’s packed with features and works flawlessly. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
Romance Princess
🏡 Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house – it's like having a helper! 🏠📚 Bookmarks are a must-have for any audiobook lover. They help me stay organized and engaged. This audiobook transformed my household chores into enjoyable moments! The narrator's lively yet measured delivery kept me engaged throughout. I particularly appreciated how they handled exposition - making potentially dry information interesting through thoughtful inflection and pacing.
Most Wanted
Effortless audiobook management – this app's usability is a triumph. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. 📚👏 Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. 🌟📚 ListenBook has become my workout buddy. It's seamlessly integrated with Apple Watch. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Avenge Paws
I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. I love the auto-rewind feature. ListenBook always picks up right where I left off.
Free Ham
📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 Noise reduction and voice tone changing are brilliant features.
Emerald Goddess
Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's functionality is a standout. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Snow Cream
Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys – this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! Decent audiobook but I think I would have enjoyed reading it more. Some of the more subtle humor didn't quite land in the audio format.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience