The title is a bit misleading in that the book mainly covers methods of power and wealth accumulation by the free state chieftains. Otherwise, it's a very interesting, if very slow, read analysing the political structure of a centuries past society. If you'd prefer a more general overview of the Icelandic Free State, I'd go for Viking Age Iceland by the same author. ( )

scholarly yet clear explanation of consensus law rule in Iceland, no monarch, appeal to support at courts.

Built on the impressive legal documentation extant from the period, as well as on what literature & sagas reliably reveal between the lines, this study is one of the rare satisfying accounts of a real-life historical utopia, in this instance medieval Iceland. Satisfying both because the utopia maintains some degree of credibility & standing - & because its limitations are so lucidly exposed. ( )