The Story of Eyþór Guðmundsson
The story of Old Icelandic Books begins with Eyþór Guðmundsson, who has dedicated himself to the collection and preservation of rare antiquarian books and manuscripts.
Eyþór grew up at Beitistaðir in Leirársveit, the site where the Icelandic Geographical Society operated its printing press from 1815 to 1819, the only printing press in the country at the time, where some of Iceland’s rarest books were produced. From a young age, Eyþór absorbed stories of a vanished era from his grandparents and the older members of the community, people who had lived through two ages and heard the same stories passed down from their forebears, generation after generation, accounts of times past in the countryside.
From Collector to Conservator
When Eyþór began systematically collecting antiquarian books and manuscripts, he quickly realised how vital preservation was, and how fragile many of these historical objects had become. He set about acquiring the knowledge needed to ensure their survival: seeking out every available resource on conservation, studying countless books, and consulting specialists. He learned to clean the books, take them apart, wash them, repair them, and rebind them. In doing so, he has successfully secured the preservation of a great number of books, manuscripts, and other texts that would otherwise have been lost, rescuing cultural treasures.
A Mission Takes Shape
When Eyþór began sharing his work on social media, through photos and videos, the wider world took notice. People from across the globe began paying attention, and he found himself in conversation with, and hosting visitors from, every corner of the world. Old Icelandic Books was born, and Eyþór’s mission became clear: to introduce the books, the Icelandic Sagas, and Iceland’s cultural heritage to the world. What followed was no longer a hobby but a purposeful effort to rescue and share ancient Icelandic printed works, antiquarian books, and rare manuscripts that would otherwise be lost.
The Collection Today
Through years of dedication and passion, Eyþór has built an extensive collection that includes first printed editions of the Icelandic Sagas, religious texts, bibles, and Enlightenment-era publications. What began as a personal project gradually opened outward. As interest grew, a steady stream of visitors, both Icelandic and international, arrived to experience the history firsthand. In time, Old Icelandic Books evolved into a unique cultural project and experience, where history is not merely preserved but shared in a living way.
Today, Old Icelandic Books provides unprecedented access to Iceland’s literary heritage, ensuring that the story continues to speak and reach new generations.