This book was wonderful for the tangible reality of the characters. Even though most of the characters could be described as the forgotten failures in life, they seem so real and remind you so much of yourself that you want them to succeed.

I belive that this book let's you travel in the past, in a world where go to the north pole was like go to the moon today. Amundsen was a no fear man, he went where no one went before him and his expedition were the unfortunate victims of bad luck and bad weather. This is the history of that man, and this book let's you live tha experience

Heimskringla was one of the best finds of the year for me. History comes alive through the writings of Snorri Sturluson. I have read it a couple times and still find things I missed before. Although this book is out of print, it is available by other translators (ISBN #0-292-73061-6), and well worth the money for pure enjoyment as well as for research.

Thomas Nielsen draws upon his service with the Norwegian Resistance during World War II for Inside Fortress Norway: Bjorn West - Norwegian Guerrilla Base, 1944-1945. This insider's account of partisan life is as definitive and comprehensive as it is engaging and informative. The accounts of preparation for, and engagement with, German attacks, behind the lines forays, and other aspects of the clandestine guerrilla movement in the mountains of western Norway is nothing short of riveting. A "must" for military buffs and academic reference collections, Inside Fortress Norway is a welcome and much appreciated contribution to the growing body of literature dealing with the World War II's European Theater.

At the close of active life (well, near the close - Arne will turn 90 in Jan.2002!) Norwegian eco-political philosopher Arne Naess is interviewed by spry young American academic David Rothenberg.

Subjects span Arne's entire life consciousness. In easy-to-read, question-and-answer format, this slim volume tells the lay reader many fascinating personal details. Rothenberg & Naess discuss -- inter alia -- Arne's rejection of his mother, childhood obsession with tiny things, the financial help from his older wealthy businessman brothers that freed Arne to live a charmed "thinking" life, and Arne's subversive leadership in the WWII Norwegian Resistance.

Why are this old Norwegian man's memories so important? Although many in the USA do not yet know him, Arne Naess is considered the father of "Deep Ecology" - a philosophy of articulate ecological beliefs, which works to shape ecological dialog with non-ecological forces.

Today's ecological thinkers will find these interviews highly educational. It is intriguing to see how the 20th century movement called Deep Ecology was shaped not only by Naess' work in ethics and communication theory, but also by his spiritual communion with non-human intelligence, and his "Panzercharakter" defensive shell.

These personal interviews reveal that the spiritually transcendent militancy of Gandhi's "satyagraha" - which Naess has made so key to modern ecological activism - appealed to him emotionally as well as philosophically. Most importantly they confirm that the emotional life of the leading ecological philosopher of the 20th century, has been equally as influential as his intellectual power.

As an English teacher of reading-disabled high school tenth-graders, I have, in teaching an excerpt from the Kon-Tiki, spent two to three days on this account and let it go at that. This year, I wanted the story to seem more real to the students; I wanted them to realize that this was a true, exciting account of an incredible experimental voyage, one which I, as a fourteen-year-old, remembered from Life magazine and radio updates. I researched the library and found this book. The exciting aspect of this book is that we had read and studied the excerpt from the perspective of the narrative genre; we chronicled the duties and adventures of the crew and learned their names. But now, in this biography, we could see Herman, Torstein, Heyerdahl, Erik and the rest! They did exist, and my students could see that this strange boat did, too! They were also amazed that Mr. Heyerdahl is still alive and working. This text has added such life and discussion to our brief excerpt that it has taken its place along with our class textbook and vocabulary. It now remains in my curriculum.

I first read this book in high school and loved it! It was the first book that I had ever read by this author. It has a beautiful setting and the suspense is unbelievable! I was shocked to learn whodunnit, and I believe that you will be too!

"Living in Norway" is a pictorial tour throughout Norway of days gone by in quiet solitude between the grand fjords with the majestic mountains on all sides. The book is divided into the four seasons: fall, winter, spring and summer. You can experience the beauty of Norway through all seasons. Winter time in Norway is long, and the daylight hours few, but the homes are gaily decorated throughout the dark winter days. When it comes to antiques, here you can see them in their natural surroundings. This book offers hundreds of color photographs, but don't forget to read the text, it is a fantastic tour of Norway. The "hytta" or cabins the norwegians used in the summer days are featured, many of the old hytta still exist and open their doors to guests as do American bed and breakfasts. Some of the hytta remain with the original families, others have been purchased for private use or for overnight stays. Traditional rosmalling on the walls and the "box beds" will guide you through times gone by. An intimate tour through the summer home of Edvard Grieg and his wife will delight you and amaze you to discover that this is also the final resting place of the Greig's. But more awaits. The modern Norwegian homes are smartly represented also, from a simple concrete structure in Oslo decorated to please someone with an eye for new-age artwork, these glimpses inside the homes of Norway and excellent stories about their histories may leave you wondering how to find these places. No fear, among the last pages of the book are addresses for each of these homes if you would like to include one of these homes on your next trip to Norway. No matter if you wish to visit a Nordland harbor with it's peaceful calm fjord, or a Gudbrandsdalen farm which is linked to the 3 series trilogy written by Nobel prizewinner Sigrid Undset (The Bridal Wreath, The Mistress of Husaby, The Cross), you will find a rich selection of Norwegian homes, interior and exterior, modern or antique. As you read the book, it will look handsome on your coffee table. It makes an excellent gift for a family member who would enjoy reading about days gone by in Norway and living in modern Norway. If you desire to decorate your home norwegian style, ideas abound in the book. How about a stroll along Karl Johan street in Oslo to find a excellent restaurant with a historical past? A great book for Norwegian genealogists interested in farm life also. This book is rich in text and photographs, and the book is so inexpensive. Enjoy!

This book is exactly what I was looking for when we moved to Norway a year and a half ago...only it didn't exist! I snatched one up when I saw it come out in December and have not been disappointed. Every day I discover something else I either didn't know or didn't completely understand. I have friends who have been here 14 years who are still finding things they didn't know. It's also a great reference for such things as laundry labels, conversion tables, cooking terms, etc. If you're moving to Norway, buy this book!

Researched and written by local correspondents, Nelles Guides are updated on a regular basis to provide only the very latest information. A well-rounded introduction delves into the culture and history of Norway, tempting you to explore. The "What to See & Do" section covers everything from sightseeing, driving tours and adventurous excursions, museums and galleries. Detailed entries for restaurants, shopping, entertainment, festivals and more. All accommodations are categorized by price level, making it easy for you to select a place that suits your budget. Practical travel issues - health concerns, currency, transportation, climate & clothing, visa requirements - are also given. Illustrated with over 160 color photos and maps.

"Recommended.... convenient, very informative and easy to use. Each page features full-color pictures. [Nelles Guides] are helpful for homework assignments and background information." Library Journal, 11/99.