The Great Courses (Firm)
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Whether you're on a mountain bike or hiking by foot, there are many spots in Iceland that offer visitors more remote, rugged experiences. Visit the Highlands, the focal point for wilderness tourism in Iceland; a nature reserve that serves as a reminder of the difficulty of Arctic living; the endpoint of the country's Northern Rift Zone; and more.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Whatever your flavor of literature (folkloric sagas, crime novels, poetry, literary fiction), Iceland has something for every type of reader. Discover how a combination of historical pride and rich storytelling skills make Icelandic literature, both past and present, so revered around the world.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Just like other places, Iceland is susceptible to the presence of non-native—and often invasive—species of plants and animals that now call the country home. Consider animals like the American mink, first brought to Iceland for fur farming, and plans such as Nootka lupine, a perennial herb that grows in seemingly inhospitable lava fields.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Beyond capturing the hearts and minds of photographers, geologists, and mountaineers, Iceland's glaciers are deeply rooted in the country's culture and history. First, look backward in time to learn how Iceland came to have so much, well, ice. Then, plunge into a world of ice tunnels, ice caves, and other extreme features.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Before it was settled, around 65% of Iceland had vegetation. Now, only 0.5% of the country is forested. So, what happened to the forests? Get a closer look at the dangers of steep-slope erosion, as well as some of the natural difficulties currently challenging Iceland's century-long effort to reforest the country.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Start understanding Iceland's contemporary art and music by looking into its history of stone and wood carvings and oral poetry. Then, explore the prevalence of animals and landscapes in paintings, the country's vibrant street art and mural scene, the ways Icelandic folk music blends poetry and melody, and more.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
After losing the nomination in 1956, JFK understood he had a narrow window to catapult him to the highest office. As you will see here, 1960 was the year, and television was the medium to showcase his strengths to the American public. Survey his campaign against the seasoned politician Richard Nixon.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Fishing as a livelihood shaped Iceland's population for centuries. Dive below the surface for a fascinating look at Atlantic cod and the “Cod Wars” they sparked; at Greenland sharks, which reach maturity at around 150 years of age; at Atlantic salmon; at the three-spined stickleback; at crustaceans like the Norway lobster; and much more.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Iceland currently has a reputation as one of the coolest places on the planet to visit—and the growth in tourism has created some opportunities and challenges that you'll consider here. While we can't know what the future holds, if we look at Iceland's past, we can say that Iceland has always been resilient, adaptable, innovative, and remarkable.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Continue your whirlwind tour of Iceland with stops along the eastern and southeastern parts of the island. This stage of your journey includes a fascinating art installation of egg sculptures, the largest ice cap in Europe, a dangerous beach with unpredictable waves, and the only waterfall where you're virtually guaranteed to see a rainbow.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
The peaceful end to the Cuban Missile Crisis marked a new era for the Cold War, in which all sides understood the threat of nuclear annihilation. Fortunately, President Kennedy was savvy enough to manage the nuclear age—and was able to turn his attention to the civil rights movement. Here, delve into the world of segregation and political activism.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Sculpted by fire and ice, Iceland's parks and reserved are breathtaking to behold. Sites you'll explore in this survey include Iceland's three national parks and its nature reserves—both of which offer explorers unparalleled looks at lava fields, sea cliffs, black sand beaches, and other geological marvels.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Venture on to Iceland's north-central region for a look at some of the many can't-miss sights. Among these are three spots for great seal viewing, a canyon that's one of the 10 most dangerous spots in the country, the spectacular Goðafoss waterfall, and a magical yuletide wonderland that's perfect for Christmastime visits.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
The waters hugging Iceland's coasts play an important role in the country's culture and economy. Investigate some of the many lakes, rivers, lagoons, waterfalls, hot springs, and geysers to be found. Among them are the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon; Gullfoss, the most visited waterfall in the country; and the thriving business of the Blue Lagoon.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Given its deep connection to nature, Iceland has often been at the forefront of conservation and sustainability—despite its early destructive history. Consider vital efforts of soil conservation and carbon neutrality, the powerful use of storytelling as a conservation tool, and ongoing debates over Iceland's whaling culture.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Iceland's natural and cultural history is unlike any other. The Great Tours: Iceland allows armchair travelers and trip planners alike to better appreciate its many wonders. Designed by Professor Jennifer Verdolin, these 24 visually stunning lectures take you from Iceland’s bustling cities to its remote towns, from the tops of its glaciers to the depths of its geothermal pools.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Reflect on the legacy of President Kennedy as a flawed King Arthur in a mythical Camelot. After the shooting, the actions of Lyndon Johnson and Jacqueline Kennedy prepared America for the next chapter of history. The series ends by revisiting the beginning and the question that intrigues us still: Who was John F. Kennedy?
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Mighty glaciers have carved the landscape of western and eastern Iceland into beautiful, scarred fjords. First, visit Westfjords, where you'll find the oldest site in Iceland and one of the largest bird cliffs in Europe. Then, continue to Eastfjords: home to an artsy community in the heart of reindeer country and 286 square miles of forest.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
President Kennedy fought the Cold War on multiple fronts. Although we may associate the Vietnam War with the Johnson and Nixon administrations, the seeds of war were planted under JFK. Dive into the world of palace intrigue, grand strategy, domino theory, and an unofficial coup in South Vietnam.
Publisher
The Great Courses
Pub. Date
2022.
Language
English
Description
Handsome and charming, Kennedy was a well-known playboy, which was something of an open secret in Washington during his time in office. While the press of the day considered his peccadillos too lurid for publication, new testimonies and interviews have come to light, shedding a different perspective on the president's pastimes.