elommebok

Elommebok, also known as the "front book" or "preface book," is a traditional Icelandic term referring to the first book in a collection of handwritten manuscripts. This practice was common in Iceland during the medieval and early modern periods, particularly among farmers and scholars who preserved their knowledge through hand-copied texts. The term originates from the Icelandic phrase *elsti mebók*, meaning "oldest book."

These manuscripts often contained a variety of texts, including religious works, historical records, legal documents, and personal writings. The first book in a collection was typically the most significant or oldest, serving as a foundational reference for later additions. Many elommeboks were part of larger manuscript compilations known as *mebók*, which were carefully maintained by families or communities over generations.

The preservation of elommeboks reflects Iceland’s rich literary heritage, as they played a crucial role in maintaining oral traditions and written knowledge during a time when printed books were rare. Some of the most famous Icelandic sagas and historical accounts were originally recorded in these handwritten volumes. Many of these manuscripts survive today in institutions like the Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies and the National Archives of Iceland, offering valuable insights into medieval Icelandic culture and society.

The study of elommeboks is important for understanding the development of Icelandic literature and the methods of manuscript production in pre-modern Europe. While the term itself is not widely used outside Icelandic scholarship, it remains a key concept in the field of medieval manuscript studies.