About the book: 1977 / Laxness Halldor (1902–1998), Icelandic novelist. In 1955, Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. After living for about three years in the United States (1927–1929), Laxness addressed the problems of his compatriots from a leftist position. This new approach was clearly revealed, among others, in the novel “Independent People” (1934–35). In the historical trilogy “The Bell of Iceland” (1943), “The Golden-haired Maiden” (1944), “Fire in Copenhagen” (1946), Laxness praised the resilience of the Icelanders, their pride and love of knowledge, which helped them withstand centuries of ordeals.