I have just finished reading this book a second time after 20 years. As before, I was again exhilarated by Scherman's broad brush strokes taking in the land, its history, literature, geology, flora and fauna.

Particularly well done are the chapter about NJALS SAGA, the greatest of the medieval family sagas. Yet I was also interested to find an excellent discussion of the EYRBYGGJA SAGA, which I have just finished reading. The first few chapters about the volcanic origin of the land, with the massive 1973 explosion of Eldfell on Heimaey and the recent birth of the nearby isle of Surtsey. Scherman is at her best in describing the feel of the land, such as the flood sands bordering Vatnajokull.

It is worth the trouble to find this superb book if you, like me, are planning to visit the land of fire and ice.

Catherine the Great, written by Katherine Scherman, is a very interesting book about the life of Catherine and the accomplishments she had with the people of Russia and the country's affairs. I like this book because it goes into great detail about the historical events that happened during Catherine's rule and the ways she helped the Russian people. It also goes into the personal life of Catherine, such as her love life and her family life. After I read this book, I was impressed with Catherine because she did so much with her country and did it with a great attitude all during her rule. I would recommend this book to whomever likes learning about history and the people who made history.