Features Overview

Flateyjarbók has been called a jewel of the saga world. Until now, this massive manuscript hasn't been available in its entirety for a modern international readership. Here is an overview of what Flateyjarbók is, and what readers can expect from the first ever English language edition.

CODEX FLATEYENSIS

Flateyjarbók is unique among Icelandic manuscripts for many reasons – it is the largest and most beautifully decorated, and as opposed to many other manuscripts, we know a lot about it. In this article, Elizabeth Ashman Rowe, Ph.D. (Cambridge University) explains more about the enigma that is Flateyjarbók and puts forward a fascinating theory on why it might have been created.

The historical journey of a saga treasure

Flateyjarbók has been overshadowed by other sagas for the last 600 years. Thus the story of its development and history is not well known outside scholarly circles. In this article, professor Torgrim Titlestad takes a closer look at the work’s journey, from its origins in 1387 up to today.

THE ARTWORK

Flateyjarbok features the original art of celebrated Norwegian artist Anders Kvåle Rue. 

A modern EDITION

The most comprehensive and costly publishing project on the Sagas in modern times is undoubtedly Flateyjarbók. So far, 6 leatherbound volumes, lavishly illustrated and with prefaces by Nordic heads of State, have been published with the support of The Saga Heritage Foundation and its partners.