Lögberg-Heimskringla - 05.12.2003, Blaðsíða 9

Lögberg-Heimskringla • 5 Desember 2003 • page 9

The White Strand
A review by
W. D. (Bill)
Valgardson
rhe White Strand by Ellinor
Thun Ueland and illustrat-
ed by Warren Oddsson is a
beautiful book. It is more than a
book, it is a work of art. It
brings together not only poetry
that harks back to the Eddas but
incorporates illustrations and
design that are fully integrated.
There are two versions of
The White Strand. There is the
collectors’ first edition. It is
hand numbered and signed by
the poet. From the Elephant
Hyde end papers to the heavily
grained, leather-like cover,
evei-y detail has been worked
out. The $100.00 cost seems
quite reasonable for seldom do
you see a book created with
such care. This is truly a collec-
tor’s book and one I’d handle
only after I’d carefully washed
my hands. It even makes me
want to put on white gloves
before tuming the pages.
The second version is the
soft cover edition. This is the
edition I’d buy for reading and
sharing with friends and family.
At $49.95 it is a bargain for it
has been hand assembled and
perfect bound. The front has foil
embossed symbols and runic
letters. Inside it contains the
same poetry and illustrations as
the collector’s edition.
These are poems of the old
times, written by E.Thun
Ueland. Her middle name is a
version of the name of the
Norse god Thor. Her family is
connected to Iceland because
during the rule of Harald
Hairfair, two of three brothers in
her family migrated to Iceland
during the days of the settle-
ment. It is no wonder then, that
her poetic concems are the con-
cems of the Norse and her sub-
ject matter is Norse.
There are poems with titles
like “Awakening - Greenland”,
“The Ravens of Hafrsíjord”,
“Leif Eiriksson’s Cape”, and
“Ragnarok”. For those not
familiar with Norse history and
mythology, there is a helpful
glossary at the back.
The White Strand Receives Award
rhe White Strand was
awarded with an
“Honourable Mention”, at the
International Gallery of Superb
Printing Awards, 2003 held in
Europe. The competition is
devoted to the principles of
honouring excellence in the
graphic arts by Celebrating
Craft, Applauding Art and
Showcasing Science.
Greg Olynyk of
Lansdowne Press advised
Robert Asgeirsson, President
of Pennan Digital, Inc., pub-
lisher of The White Strand, that
Also available at:
H.P.Tergesens & NIHM in Glmli
A special gift for that special
Norse
soul in your iife
The White Strand
is a poetic homage to the
ancient Norse.
“Between the elegant covers of this
book are superb gems of poetry
and art... Beautifully done!..."
Frances Hanson, BC.
Order todayl
isit www.pennan.ca or phone 604-536-9377
Books shipped free from publisher "Expedited Mail"
$100 cdn. Hard Cover, 49.95 cdn. Soft Cover + gst
Call for courier rates
“More than 3,100 entries from
around the world were scruti-
nized by world-class judges
with entries coming from as far
as Australia, Italy, Germany,
Britain, China, Holland, Korea
and Mexico to narne a few.”
And he added “Congratul-
ations!” Indeed. Congratul-
ations.
Further detailed informa-
tion about the book’s covers,
content, images, author and
artist can be found on the
Pennan Digital Inc. web site at:
www.pennan.ca
In “Battle at Svolder” she
begins “The Noms were spin-
ning black that day/As Odin’s
ravens flew about”. In “Leif
Eiriksson’s Cape” she says
“The Earl of the Isle saw a ship
sailing in,/A longship with
Norsemen on board,/Blown off
its course by a mighty wind, On
its way to Breidatjord.” So start
many of the poems, right in the
rniddle of the action. The
rhyming form is old fashioned
Thor's
Meats and Groceries
Fresh Meats
Wholesale and Retail
Custom Cutting and Wrapping
Gleðileg jól!
401 Main Street
Selkirk, MB
Tel: 204-482-4424
Fax: 204-785-4966
but appropriate to the subject
matter and captures a feeling for
the ancient poems.
The illustrations, which I
cannot praise too highly, are
done in stipple art drawing.
When I first saw the illustra-
tions, I decided right then that I
wanted the same artist to illus-
trate a book of folk tales for me.
It was with a shock that I read
that he had died in August of
2001. He was born in New
Westminster, B.C. His father is
Arthur Oddsson and is of
Icelandic descent. His mother is
June Matthiasen who is of
Norwegian descent.
A great deal of care has
gone into this book and it con-
tains more than just what first
appears on the page. A careful
reading will reveal at least one
of these secrets.
I congratulate Robert
Asgeirsson for bravely taking
on such a challenging project as
editor and publisher. Publishing
poetry in Canada is an act of
bravery but here, for a special-
ized and knowledgeable audi-
ence, is a book to keep and
cherish.
KAKEN JOHANNSSON
Handmade Batik
Cadds
CUSHIONSAND
Wall Hanchnos
Batik CLA/sses
ICELANPIC
Mcmrs
162 Upton ötreet
Wlnnlpeg, MB
Phone 775-7096
Fax 774-9453
Upton5t5tudloíHneteoape.net
LF5
mmm
::
^ “Nutritionals
You Can Tmst”
USANA Palmetto Plus
Provides immedisle and long-
term prostate support for men.
Contains saw palmetto plus
lycopene and soy isoflavones.
Heather Howorth (Oddson)
UNI Independent Associate
69 Bright Oaks Bay
Winnipeg, Manitoba ^el: 204-253-8338
Canada R2M 2L9 Cell: 204-223-2220
l
i a vn GUESTHOUSE
Li AiM L» Guide
!lCEL(\hblC
iOOLS
Gi.stiheimili - Gucsthoasc
BREKKUBÆR
BREKKUBÆR, HELLNAR
IS -356 Snaefellsbaer, Iceland
Tel +354-435-6820 Fax +354-435-6801
E-mail brckkubacr^hcllnar.is

www.hellnar.is
In the closcst vicinity of
Snætcllsjokull Glacier and
Snæfcllsjokull National Park
• Accommodation in peaceful surroundings at one of the most
beautiful spots on Snaefellsnes peninsula (West-lceland)
• Fantastic view of Snaefellsjokull glacier, Mount Stapalell and Faxafloi Bay
• Double rooms with private bathrooms; non-smoking environment indoors
• Comfortable dining room - lcelandic cuisine with organic ingredients
• Excellent lounge with TV, large sun-deck
• Licensed to serve (organic) wine * beer 9*^ m
• Good hiking trails in every direction ^
Rent-a-car special: 2 nights double room,
breakfast/dinner both nights, hiking tour and
astrology reading from IKR 29.900 (full value 35.600)
Wirmtr of thc Icehmdic Tourist Boords Environmmtol Aword2000
Cod Liver Oil
Omega 3 and other marine liþids
from the cold North Atlantic
Artic Angelica
Woo/en Products
Now available: Pönnukök
Guesthouse Flókagata 1

• Centally located in Reykjavik with main shops,
theatres, museums and transport within easy
walking distance
• Enjoy a continental breakfast in the breakfast
atrium or in the garden
• Guests have access to a fully equiped kitchen
• Our friendly and efficient staff is always ready to
serve you around the clock, every day of the year
• All rooms are furnished with a TV, telephone,
refrigerator, wash basin and water boiling unit
• Free parking available
• Studio apartments with private kitchen facilities
available at reasonable rates in the heart of
Reykjavík
105 Reykjavík Iceland
Tel: +354 552-1155 Fax: +354 562-0355
E-mail: guesthouse@eyjar.is
www.eyjar.is/guesthouse
Creating Community • Sköpum Samfélag