The Xenophobe's Guide to the Icelanders (Xenophobe's Guides) (Xenophobe's Guides)

For the outrageous price one gets a very succint introduction into the habits of the Icelanders, not entirely updated.

It is very good for a two hours fun read for someone who does not really plan to visit the country. The amount of information given is more easily gathered through a TV documentary though, and anyone wishing real help should address oneself elsewhere.

To keep matters very light but do it more usefully, about 40 more pages would have sufficed, together with a more rational partition of topics.

I would have appreciated more attention to the intercourse between foreigners and natives, not excluding the more friendly or even intimate point of view.

The author exploits the customary habit of British essayist of making fun of every detail. He does it very well and I found myself laughing silly at times, but puns in the end tend to get in the way of information instead of helping one to memorise it.

I came across this nifty little book by chance. I've been fascinated by all things Icelandic for a while and this is a fantastic read for anyone who has any interest in the place and people. It would also make an excellent companion to anyone planning travel there too. It's witty, highly informative and fun to read. It provides a useful background to Icelandic life and culture, their national characteristics and customs. You get to learn some really incredible facts as well as their quirky habits. All in all a great book crammed with information and essential reading for anyone planning a trip there or remotely interested in the place.