About the society
One of the oldest active societies in Iceland
1816
Founding policy
The Icelandic Literary Society was founded in 1816 and has been active without interruption ever since.
The society took over the role of an older association founded in 1779, and the formal merger took place in 1818.
„Its founding policy was to restore independent learning and culture in Iceland under the leadership of Icelanders themselves.“
The society today
The society publishes scholarly and general works, the series Íslenzk fornrit and the journal Skírnir, which has appeared since 1827.
The society's bookshop is at Hagatorg in Reykjavík.
From the publications
Chapters from the history of Western culture and from the history of Iceland — a matching series from the society.
Board and staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Ármann Jakobsson | Chair |
| Björg Thorarensen | Vice-chair |
| Reynir Axelsson | Board member |
| Auður Hauksdóttir | Board member |
| Þorsteinn Hilmarsson | Board member |
| Snjólaug Ólafsdóttir | Board member |
| Salvör Nordal | Board member |
| Kristján Garðarsson | Librarian |
| Ólöf Dagný Óskarsdóttir | Managing director |
Membership
The annual fee is about 5,490 ISK, paid on publication of each issue of Skírnir, a total of about 10,980 ISK a year.
Members receive Skírnir, two issues a year, and a 20% discount on the society's publications.
Registration
Reg. no. 620169-7659 · VAT no. 10965