Rev. Björn Halldórsson (1724–1794) of Sauðlauksdalur wrote a book for housewives in 1770, Arnbjörg (Arnbjörg, an honourable good woman of the Westfjords of Iceland). According to Björn, a good housewife should be God-fearing and free of all superstition; she should look after the home well, and be well-mannered and a good wife who supports her husband. She should teach their children good behaviour and accustom them to all kinds of food and conditions, teach them to respect their parents, and teach them to read and to carry out the main tasks. Björn was among the more enlightened men of his time when it came to cultivation and farming. In a way, Arnbjörg is a counterpart to Björn’s Atli, his book for farmers.
Click the picture to view the manuscript on handrit.is