Letter book of Bishop Þorlákur Skúlason # 88879

The letter book of Bishop Þorlákur Skúlason.
Bishop Þorlákur Skúlason served as the See of Hólar from 1628 to 1656, succeeding his grandfather, Bishop Guðbrand Þorláksson, who died in 1627. Þorlákur's Letter Book is therefore a direct continuation of Guðbrand's Letter Book, which the Literary Society published from 1919 to 1942, but that book was actually intended as an additional volume to the Icelandic Collection of Old Letters. Although Bishop Þorlákur was not as expressive a man as his grandfather Guðbrand, he performed well in office. He was a skillful administrator, a just, gentle and humane head of the church, who did not, however, allow the rights of the church to be violated. The printing press at Hólar flourished in his day, but almost exclusively published books of the word of God. Bishop Þorlákur was also a scholar of ancient history and supported with advice and admiration various pioneers in the field of Icelandic studies, such as Arngrím the learned and Björn á Skarðsá.
The Epistles of Bishop Þorlákur Skúlason are an invaluable source on church administration and the way of life in northern Iceland in the second quarter of the 17th century. Although its edition is specifically tailored to the needs and interests of song scholars, it is relevant to all who are interested in folk studies. (Cover text).