This first volume on the history of Vestmanna focuses on questions surrounding the origins of the village, when it was first settled and how it might have been organised in farms and summer pastures.

The hard toil of fishing with rowboats, birding in the cliffs, tending sheep in the hills, pilot whale hunting and cutting peat is explained.

During the 17^th century, the village lived in constant fear of pirates who were roaming the northern seas. Vestmanna bay was also the site of the most significant and violent showdown with these troublemakers.

The book also considers how important it was for the growth of the village that a branch of the Royal Trade Monopoly was established in it. This opened the door to new industries that needed new buildings, boats and quays and a proper harbour.

In the wake of this revolution, other events followed: the village got its first school and education was organised, a doctor settled in the village and there were plans of building a hospital.

Tales and legends related to the village are also found in this volume.