Buy the Book

The publication of Icelandic newspapers, magazines, and books was only the first step in getting printed material into the hands of readers. In addition to subscribing, Icelandic readers in Manitoba could also pay a visit to several Icelandic bookshops and booksellers operating in the province. They typically sold Icelandic newspapers, magazines, and books produced in North America and imported from Iceland.

A list of books and other items for sale by the Maple Leaf Printing and Supply Company

Those living in the New Iceland area around the turn of the century could visit Gísli M. Thompson’s printshop in Gimli to purchase Icelandic reading material. The Maple Leaf Printing and Supply Company, run by Gísli M. Thompson, also sold books and other printed material. Both ventures lasted less than a decade. In later years, H.P. Tergensen & Sons, a general store still operating in Gimli today, turned its hand to selling books.

Predictably, Winnipeg was home to numerous Icelandic bookshops and booksellers over the years. Halldór S. Bardal, for example, was a prominent bookseller in Winnipeg beginning in the mid-1890s. Halldór successfully ran his business at the corner of Elgin Avenue and Sherbrook Street until the onset of the First World War.

Ólafur S. Thorgeirsson departed from Lögberg in 1905 to open his own printshop where he also sold books and other printed material. His print- and bookshop was first located behind his home at 678 Sherbrook Street. He later opened a shop at 674 Sargent Avenue. Ólafur continued selling books, including his very popular Almanak, until his death in 1937.

A receipt from Ólafur S. Thorgeirsson printshop

A book list from bookseller Hjálmar Gíslason

Many Icelandic booksellers in Manitoba also offered services to their customers including custom printing and bookbinding. They also sold goods such as greeting cards, stationary, and school supplies. Other important figures involved in Icelandic bookselling in the province include Finnur Jónsson, Hjálmar Gíslason, Nikulás Ottenson, Magnús Peterson, and Páll Jónsson, to name just a few.

Ragnar Gislason recalls his father Hjálmar Gíslason’s bookshop and Hjálmar’s involvement with the short-lived socialist newspaper Voröld. Enjoy this audio clip with an English transcript.

An ad for Björnsson’s Book Store from 1944

The last Icelandic bookshop in Winnipeg was Björnsson’s Book Store. It was located at 702 Sargent and operated by Davíð Björnsson beginning in the early 1940s. In addition to selling books, both in Icelandic and English, Davíð was also a collector who purchased used and rare Icelandic books, magazines, and other printed and written material.

One-time editor of Lögberg-Heimskringla (1971–1976), Caroline Gunnarson recalls Davið Björnsson‘s bookshop on Sargent Avenue in Winnipeg. Enjoy this audio clip with an English transcript.