Illustrations - Burnt Njal, The Story of Burnt Njal [1907]
Edition used:
The Story of Burnt Njal. The Great Icelandic Tribune, Jurist, and Counsellor, translated from the Njals Saga by the Late Sir George Webbe Dasent. With Editor’s Prefatory Note and Author’s Introduction. Hon. Rasmus B. Anderson, Editor in Chief (London: Norroena Society, 1907).
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of the
Royal Edition
There art tut four hundred and fifty complete sets maae for the world, of which thus is copy
No. 404
NORROENA
anglo-saxon classics
Burnt-Njal
This exquisite reproduction is an example of the most artistic product of Italian binders of the Sixteenth Century, a period when skill in this kind of art was so great that it has not since been excelled. This design is undoubtedly the finest specimen of Canevari binding in existence, rich in ornamentation, tooled in solid gold, and introducing picturesque decorations of triple flowers on the outer angles, and relief effects at the semi-circle conjunctions of the side and end panels. This lovely design was enriched by the Danish coat-of-arms as a centerpiece, used upon a volume of “Burnt Njal” presented to the late King Christian IX, commemorative of his 70th birthday.
The arm and scales of justice symbolize the free and honest spirit of the Danish people. The original was used on the cover of Polydoris Virgilius' “Angelicæ Historia,” printed at Venice, 1534, and bound for Canevari, court physician of Pope Urban II.
THE LAST SKALD.
(From a painting by I. L. Lund.)
The Skalds of Iceland were poets who recited the annals of their country, before writing came into use. They were honored as historians and held a place of prominence at the courts to sing the deeds of kings, for which they were often richly rewarded But Skalds also accompanied every expedition, were present at all battles, and their services were sought to recount the prowess and achievements of individuals. It is, therefore, to the Skalds that we owe the preservation of the history of Iceland, much of which is in rythmic measures and nearly always exhibits the influence of the mythology that so powerfully affected the life of that people.