This book by Aini Rajanen is a wonderful read for anyone interested in a brief look at the Finnish culture. Ms. Rajanen's point of view is quite entertaining and with a good sense of humor. From SISU to sauna (pronounced sow-na) to a few recipies I think this book is well worth reading. I heartily reccomend this title.

I would especially recommend this book to those planning a trip to Finland. Raganen summarizes well the various aspects of Finnish culture and history. A somewhat informal tone makes "Of Finnish Ways" a fast read, but one that provides a fitting tribute to an exemplary, exceptional people, those whom the Russians call "The Unusual People."

My Scandinavian history professor recommended this book to me. What he didn't tell me is that he was mentioned in the preface of the book (the author obviously used my professor's book for a reference). Anyway, the book does a great job detailing the economic, political, and cultural situations in Scandinavia dating from 1500 to the present. If I were a professor teaching this kind of history, I would definitely require this as a text because of it's comprehensiveness and how relatively short it is. It's a good book for those interested in Scandinavian studies.

This book provides a brief, but very comprehensive, history of Finland from the bronze age to the twentieth century. I found the extensive details on the early history of Swedish-Finnish expansion extremely helpful, although the book is a bit skimpy on the topic of the Finnish civil war. The book rightfully calls itself a "short" history, but it's a satisfying overview.

Ditto what the reader from Las Vegas said. It seemed a little bit too thin, but then it is called "A Short History". Given that it is so short, there should have been a little bit less about political machinations and the Left, and the space saved should have been used to say a little bit more about the military history, economics, culture, emigratin, etc. Also, the prose style, while readable, does not sparkle. But these are minor quibbles. For the most part, the book is what it claims to be.

This book delivers exactly what its title suggests, "A Short History of Finland". From the earliest prehistoric beginnings to the sea-change in Finnish foreign policy with its membership in the EU in '95, this work outlines all significant events in Finnish history. Contains several appendices with Tsar Alexander's declaration, petition to the Bolshevik government for independence, and the 1948 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. The second edition was completed by a different author, but the revisions are seamless- the reader cannot detect any changes of style or editing.

I would have given this book 5-stars, except for what I believe is an inordinate amount of paper given to the rise and machinations of the left in Finnish politics. Given the original author's admitted interest in left-wing politics, this is probably unavoidable. However, the space could have been better used to flesh out chapters on the Russo-Finnish war, Continuation War and the involvement of the Soviets in Finnish politics post-war. For future editions, the author may wish to include the 1947 peace treaty along with the 1948 treaty in the Appendices. So maybe 4 1/2 is more accurate.

If you are a tourist or business person who wants more history than is presented in the usual tour guide, or are a student looking for background on aspects of Scandinavian history, get this book. Besides, you can probably finish it on the flight to Helsinki...

Stig Jagerskiold does a an excellent job capturing the life of Mannerheim in an English version of his work previously written in Swedish and Finnish. From his childhood, through his service as a Russian cavalry officer, the author clearly documents his evolving sentiments toward his country and her aspirations for independence. Also, the experience he gains in leadership under fire with Russian troops foreshadows his stellar performance during the Winter and Continuation Wars. After the First World War, Mannerheim is asked to take command of the "White" forces who, with German assistance, are battling the Finnish Communists and their Russian Bolshevik allies. His attitudes toward Germany are formed here and again the author illustrates later how his impressions affected his conduct when Finland and Germany were co-belligerents. Mannerheim's command during this period is somewhat controversial: debate continues on whether he knew, much less approved, of atrocities committed by White forces. The book unfortunately doesn't investigate these allegations as deeply as it could have, and still maintained the focus of the work. However, the chapters concerned with his leadership in the Winter and Continuation Wars are well done, with examples of his command style clearly written and contrasted with those of his staff. The author rightly gives equal weight to Mannerheim's political beliefs expounded when he became President in 1944. His insight into both the psyche of the Soviets and their Western Allies was vital in concluding a surrender that left Finland unoccupied. As an introduction, or as a basis from which to conduct further research this book is a superb resource. Highly Recommended.