Footballer donates Norway's most expensive book to home town

"The book was an abridged collection of Snorri's sagas translated by magistrate, military commander and historian Mattis Strssn. It is the oldest printed history of Norway, published in Copenhagen by Jens Mortensen 25 years after Strssn's death."

"Haaland bought it with the intention of giving it to the Time Municipality so it could be placed on public display in the town's library and inspire people to read and develop connections to their shared cultural heritage."

"I want the book always to lie open so that people can read about those who came from where I come from, from Bryne and Jren, Erling Braut Haaland says in a comment."

"The competition, which will be organised by Time Municipality, will begin in the 2026/2027 school year. Pupils in middle school and lower secondary school in Time will then be invited to read as much as they can."

Erling Haaland and his father donated the only known surviving copy of the 1594 edition of the Viking royal sagas to Time, Norway. The book, sold for 1.3 million krone, is the oldest printed history of Norway. It will be displayed in the town's library to inspire reading and cultural connections. The Haalands are also sponsoring a reading competition for local middle and lower secondary school pupils, with winners invited to a match at Ullevaal Stadium with the national team.

Read at www.thehistoryblog.com