In the year 1982, \u00c1rmann Reynisson returned to Iceland from London where he had been engaged in business studies. He founded a brokerage which he called \u00c1v\u00f6xtun (“Interest”) in what was then an underdeveloped financial system that not only years behind other western countries but also hostile to any change or innovation. \u00c1v\u00f6xtun turned a new leaf in the history of commerce in Iceland, especially in the area of interest accounts and private investment. In Vignettes XII, the author speaks with candour and control about of this turbulent period of his life in 43 individual stories. He guides the reader through from the foundation of the \u00c1v\u00f6xtun company to the height of its success. He also provides glimpses of the social life of the period, an area in which he was no less innovative. In a darker vein, the author shows how his company was notoriously singled out and bullied from the very outset and how, for many years after its fall, he was subject to persistent attempts to besmirch his character.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"