Description
Book Synopsis: Stranded in a stormy corner of the North Atlantic midway between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are part of "the unknown Western Europe"—a region of recent economic development and subnational peoples facing uncertain futures. This book tells the remarkable story of the Faroes’ cultural survival since their Viking settlement in the early ninth century.
At first an unruly little republic, the islands soon became tributary to Norway, dwindled into a Danish-Norwegian mercantilist fiefdom, and in 1816 were made a Danish province. Today, however, they are an internally self-governing Danish dependency, with a prosperous export fishery and a rich intellectual life carried out in the local language, Faroese.
Jonathan Wylie, an anthropologist who has done extensive field work in the Faroes, creates here a vivid picture of everyday life and affairs of state over the centuries, using sources ranging from folkloric texts to parliamentary minutes and from census data to travelers’ tales. He argues that the Faroes’ long economic stagnation preserved an archaic way of life that was seriously threatened by their economic renaissance in the nineteenth century, especially as this was accompanied by a closer political incorporation into Denmark.
The Faroese accommodated increasingly profound social change by selectively restating their literary and historical heritage. Their success depended on domesticating a Danish ideology glorifying "folkish" ways and so claiming a nationality separate from Denmark’s. The book concludes by comparing the Faroes’ nationality-without-nationhood to the contrasting situations of their closest neighbors, Iceland and Shetland.
The Faroe Islands is an important contribution to Scandinavian as well as regional and ethnic studies and to the growing literature combining the insights and techniques of anthropology and history. Engagingly written and richly illustrated, it will also appeal to scholars in other fields and to anyone intrigued by the lands and peoples of the North.
Details
This captivating book, "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History", will transport you to the stormy and mysterious corner of the North Atlantic. Nestled between Norway and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are a hidden gem in Western Europe. Discover the fascinating story of their cultural survival, tracing back to their Viking settlement in the early ninth century.
Written by Jonathan Wylie, an anthropologist who has extensively studied the Faroes, this book provides a vivid portrayal of everyday life and the island's political affairs throughout the centuries. Wylie delves into a wide range of sources, from folkloric texts to census data, to create a comprehensive account of the Faroese way of life.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Faroes is their transition from an unruly republic to a Danish dependency, and eventually, their status as an internally self-governing Danish territory. Despite these political changes, the Faroese have managed to preserve their rich intellectual life, carried out in the unique Faroese language.
Wylie argues that the Faroese faced significant challenges to their traditional way of life during the nineteenth century's economic renaissance. However, they adaptively reclaimed their literary and historical heritage, fostering a sense of national identity separate from Denmark. The book draws interesting comparisons between the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Shetland, shedding light on the unique dynamics of these neighboring regions.
Whether you are an enthusiast of Scandinavian history or fascinated by the lands and peoples of the North, "The Faroe Islands" is an essential addition to your library. Combining the insights of anthropology and history, this engagingly written book provides a captivating journey into the heart of the Faroe Islands. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this captivating archipelago.
Ready to embark on a voyage to the Faroe Islands? Order your copy of "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History" now!
Ready to uncover the hidden gem of the North Atlantic? Dive into "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History" and explore the captivating journey of these mysterious islands. Positioned between Norway and Iceland, the Faroes stand as a testament to cultural survival, tracing back to their Viking roots in the ninth century.
Anthropologist Jonathan Wylie paints a vivid picture of life on the Faroe Islands, utilizing a diverse range of sources—from folklore and census data to travelers' tales and parliamentary minutes. Wylie's extensive fieldwork brings the islands' history to life, offering a unique blend of anthropology and historical analysis.
As you delve into the pages of this book, you'll discover the islands' transformation from a small republic to a Danish province and ultimately an internally self-governing Danish dependency. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout their history, the Faroese have managed to maintain and celebrate their distinct cultural identity, thriving in their prosperous export fishery.
Wylie's analysis sheds light on the Faroe Islands' national journey, showcasing how they selectively embraced their literary and historical heritage to carve out a separate nationality. Drawing comparisons to neighboring Iceland and Shetland, this book provides fascinating insights into the dynamics of the region.
Offering a captivating blend of history, anthropology, and breathtaking illustrations, "The Faroe Islands" appeals not only to scholars but also to anyone intrigued by the lands and peoples of the North. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Faroese history and embark on a journey of discovery.
Are you ready to explore the secrets of the Faroe Islands? Order your copy of "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History" now!
Unlock the mysteries of the Faroe Islands with "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History". Placed amidst the tempestuous North Atlantic, this archipelago holds a captivating story of cultural survival and resilience. Embark on a journey that dates back to the Viking settlement in the ninth century and witness the transformation of the Faroe Islands over time.
Anthropologist Jonathan Wylie, known for his extensive fieldwork in the region, brings the history of the Faroe Islands to life in this engaging book. Drawing from a wide array of sources, Wylie presents a comprehensive account of everyday life, affairs of state, and the islands' economic development.
From their early days as a tributary to Norway to their current status as an internally self-governing Danish dependency, the Faroe Islands have triumphed over numerous challenges. Despite their transformation, the Faroese have managed to preserve their rich intellectual life, conducting their affairs in the unique Faroese language.
Wylie argues that the Faroe Islands' path to preserving their cultural heritage was not without obstacles. The nineteenth century brought about an economic renaissance, threatening the islands' traditional way of life. However, their success in adapting to change and reclaiming their national identity separate from Denmark sets them apart from their neighboring regions, Iceland and Shetland.
Taking you on a captivating exploration of the Faroe Islands, this book blends Scandinavian studies with regional and ethnic insights, offering a unique perspective on the North Atlantic. Its engaging narrative and rich illustrations make it a must-have for scholars across various disciplines and anyone fascinated by the lands and peoples of the North.
Ready to embark on an intellectual adventure to the Faroe Islands? Take the first step by ordering your copy of "The Faroe Islands: Interpretations of History" now! Order Here
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