The topic of this paper is inflectional morphology, as presented in grammars from the last four centuries. The emphasis is on the declension of nouns and conjugation of verbs, and the methodology of authors trying to organize their descriptions is described.

The first author discussed is Runólfur Jónsson and his grammar from the 17th century, followed by a description of an 18th century manuscript by Jón Magnússon.

The 19th century saw an increase in authors of textbooks of Icelandic grammar. The first of those described here are the books by Rasmus Rask, followed by books by Halldór Kr. Friðriksson, William Carpenter, and Halldór Briem.

The grammarian Jón A. Hjaltalín, headmaster of the school at Möðruvellir, never published a grammar, but was nevertheless very influential as a teacher. His influence can be seen both in the work of his students and in the work of other teachers.

Only three authors from the beginning of this century are discussed, i.e., Jakob Jóh. Smári, Valtýr Guðmundsson, and Björn Guðfinnsson.