Description
Discover the powerful and inspiring tales captured in Herostories, a monumental exploration of 19th and 20th century midwifery in Iceland. This trade paperback edition (ISBN: 9781646052288), published by Deep Vellum Publishing in 2023, unveils the harrowing journeys and vital triumphs of Icelandic midwives through the lens of poet-historian Kristín Svava Tómasson. Her innovative found poems breathe life into the memoirs and biographies of over 100 courageous ljósmćđir, or 'mothers of light.'
Unlike traditional historical narratives focused on male heroes, Herostories honors the vital contributions of women who navigated the rugged landscapes of Iceland, fording rivers on horseback and summoning unyielding compassion in their birthwork. This groundbreaking collection challenges conventional storytelling by spotlighting the epic nature of their experiences.
Following the acclaimed Stormwarning, which garnered PEN nominations, this book not only documents the essential roles of these midwives but also highlights their achievements as trailblazers in professional fields, paving the way for contemporary Icelandic healthcare. Delving into themes of literacy, self-actualization, and service, Herostories presents a powerful narrative that resonates with readers interested in women's history, midwifery, and the role of women in healthcare.
Fabricated from ambitious poetics, this book is more than a collection of stories; it emphasizes the rich tapestries of gender-based struggles and selfless caretaking. Experience the embodiment of strength and resilience that defines the female experience in Iceland's history.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781646052288
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2023
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing
Description:
Herostories reveals tales untold by most history books: the harrowing journeys and vital triumphs of 19th and 20th century midwifery in the vast landscape of Iceland.
Composed from the memoirs and biographies of 100 Icelandic midwives, poet-historian KristĂn Svava TĂłmasdĂłttir’s found poems illuminate the dangers and valor of birthwork. Forgoing traditional sagas of androcentric conquest, these poems center the adventures of ljĂłsmæður, “mothers of light.” TĂłmasdĂłttir leverages epic elements—dashing mountain treks, rivers forded on horseback, unyielding compassion—to challenge how and by whom stories become legend.
The follow-up to Tómasdóttir/Thors’ award-winning, PEN-nominated Stormwarning, Herostories documents the professional achievements of the island’s first women to work outside the home, precursors to today’s midwives who remain central to contemporary Icelandic healthcare.
Beyond archival recognition, the text's formally ambitious poetics render gender-based battles for literacy and education alongside narratives of selfless womanly caretaking, pressurizing the fundamental tensions between feminine self-actualization and the romanticized service of these trailblazing figures.
Unlike traditional historical narratives focused on male heroes, Herostories honors the vital contributions of women who navigated the rugged landscapes of Iceland, fording rivers on horseback and summoning unyielding compassion in their birthwork. This groundbreaking collection challenges conventional storytelling by spotlighting the epic nature of their experiences.
Following the acclaimed Stormwarning, which garnered PEN nominations, this book not only documents the essential roles of these midwives but also highlights their achievements as trailblazers in professional fields, paving the way for contemporary Icelandic healthcare. Delving into themes of literacy, self-actualization, and service, Herostories presents a powerful narrative that resonates with readers interested in women's history, midwifery, and the role of women in healthcare.
Fabricated from ambitious poetics, this book is more than a collection of stories; it emphasizes the rich tapestries of gender-based struggles and selfless caretaking. Experience the embodiment of strength and resilience that defines the female experience in Iceland's history.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781646052288
Format: Trade paperback (US)
Year: 2023
Publisher: Deep Vellum Publishing
Description:
Herostories reveals tales untold by most history books: the harrowing journeys and vital triumphs of 19th and 20th century midwifery in the vast landscape of Iceland.
Composed from the memoirs and biographies of 100 Icelandic midwives, poet-historian KristĂn Svava TĂłmasdĂłttir’s found poems illuminate the dangers and valor of birthwork. Forgoing traditional sagas of androcentric conquest, these poems center the adventures of ljĂłsmæður, “mothers of light.” TĂłmasdĂłttir leverages epic elements—dashing mountain treks, rivers forded on horseback, unyielding compassion—to challenge how and by whom stories become legend.
The follow-up to Tómasdóttir/Thors’ award-winning, PEN-nominated Stormwarning, Herostories documents the professional achievements of the island’s first women to work outside the home, precursors to today’s midwives who remain central to contemporary Icelandic healthcare.
Beyond archival recognition, the text's formally ambitious poetics render gender-based battles for literacy and education alongside narratives of selfless womanly caretaking, pressurizing the fundamental tensions between feminine self-actualization and the romanticized service of these trailblazing figures.