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Finland celebrated its 85th year of independence in 2002. It is one of the thirteen countries of the world that have preserved their democracy uninterrupted since the First World War. Despite its modest origins and difficult wartime experiences, this dynamic country is now a world leader in many spheres. In 2001 it was named the world's most technologically advanced and also the least corrupt country. Other studies have shown it to have one of the three most competitive economies, the best environmental sustainability, and the second most equal society. Such rapid developments has increased the need for information about Finland and what can be learned from its unique experience. This book offers an introduction to the country today, focusing on the most recent research into its politics, policies, and society, viewed in a comparitive context. ... Read more

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Disjointed but interesting for the perspective it gives
Mauno Koivisto was President of Finland from 1982 to 1994. Ths book is a series of snapshots of events and discussions he was involved in as President, together with commentary on various aspects of Finland's involvement, largely from a foreign policy perspective and uniquely focused on Finland's role as a close neighbour of the Soviet Union. The conflict between the Soviet Union's desire to draw Finland ever more closely into the Soviet orbit, and Finland's desire, and continuing policy of remaining neutral is clearly stated and illustrated.

The book is set out as a series of very disjointed accounts of various meetings and events. The reader is pretty much left to piece these together as best they can. The focus is overwhelmingly on foreign affairs, with pretty much nothing on events internal to Finland. As such, it's more of an ancillary resource for anyone interested in Finland's role in international affairs, partiularly the ongoing US-Soviet negotiations, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the regaining of independance by the Baltic States. We also get Koivisto's take on "Finlandization" and how Finland tried to balance off the need to maintain good relations with the Soviet Union vis-a-vis their desire to maintain their independance.

An interesting read, but without any prior knowledge of Finland, Finnish history and the circumstances and events of Finland's involvement in WW2, it would be difficult for a reader to put in context much of what Koivisto relates. One also needs to keep in mind that this book was written initially for a Finnish audience who would know this. ... Read more

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This text discusses the meaning of education through an examination of life paths, identities and significant learning experiences. Looking at education over three generations of war and scant education; of structural change and increasing educational opportunities; and of social well-being and wide educational choice the book examines a variety of questions.; The book demonstrates how the synthesis of social and cultural interpretations of education forms four groups: resource, status, conformity and individualism. The implications to education policy in late-modern or postmodern society are also discussed. ... Read more

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Nearly eighty masterpieces of Finnish painting offer an opportunity to explore the range of the country’s art at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Finnish art holds an important place in the development of Modernism. At the turn of the century, the country blossomed –its native culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vitality helped fuel a movement that celebrated youth, energy, color, and nontraditional representation. This survey, presented in brilliant color, alsoincludes the substantial contributions made by Finnish women artists. It features more than two hundred reproductions, a bibliography, maps, and fascinating essays which explore the fundamental role that art played in shaping a sense of national identity in fin-de-siècle Finland. ... Read more

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Describes the geography, plants, animals, history, economy, language, religions, culture, sports, arts, and people of Finland. ... Read more

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The "Historical Dictionary of Finland" surveys the history of this northern European country, especially its long and complex relationship with Russia which has caused the Finns to adjust their policies to accomodate their large and powerful neighbor. It also details the changing socio-economic and political circumstances responsible for the development of a modern welfare state and emphasizes the country's key political personalities and parties. Maude also poses questions about the future of Finland in an integrated Europe. Following the dictionary is an extensive selected bibliography of works in English, French, and German, covering subjects as diverse as emigration and Finnish/America, the war periods, and economic issues. This historical dictionary will serve as a basic reference source and an essential foundation for further research into this strategically important country. Contains a chronology; lists of acronyms, heads of state, and Finnish and Swedish place names. ... Read more

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A masterpiece of musicology and cultural history
This is a miraculous book. Goss's portrait of one of the 20th century's greatest and most enigmatic composers is set against the backdrop of Finland's rise to nationhood. The author's meticulous research and vivid portrayal of the key players in the drama - Jean Sibelius, Robert Kajanus, Axel Gallén and others - makes the book almost read like a novel. Goss is dead-on in many of her musical assessments and peppers her narrative with flashes of wit. If you are interested in the music of Sibelius, this is essential reading. I only wish a writer of similar talents would take on the legacy of Dmitri Shostakovich in similar fashion. ... Read more

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This book examines the intertwined dynamics of Churchill's anticommunist and geopolitical thought. It looks at the ways in which he attempted to use Finland as both tool and ally in the anticommunist projects of the twentieth century. Finland appeared a staunch ally in Churchill's recurring efforts to destroy or negate international communism, but the broader concerns of geopolitics and Great Power diplomacy complicated what might have been a simple task of teaming up with like-minded Finns. The resulting tensions are explored and explained in this study of comparative anticommunism based on Churchill's private papers and on additional British, Finnish and American documents. ... Read more

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The young Finnish artist, Anne Heinonen, describes the culture and traditions of her country, and discusses her painting of daily life in her city. ... Read more

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The book looks at the ways in which the Northern Department of the Foreign Office approached matters pertaining to Finland in the years 1938-1940, concentrating on the particular issues of the proposed refortification of the Åland Islands, Finnish rearmament and aid to Finland during the Winter War with the Soviet Union.
At the beginning of this period, the Northern Department officials aimed at giving support to Finland while, at the same time, attempting to create an environment where Finland and the Soviet Union could reach agreement, thus keeping Finland out of the German sphere of influence. ... Read more

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Finland, during both prehistoric and medieval times, has been the subject of numerous studies, but none of these have previously considered the nationalist essence of the integral, underlying 'history culture' or 'public archaeology' of the nation. Even quite obvious political interpretations, visions, and imageries of an ancient Golden Age have all too easily been dismissed as the consequences of mere patriotism, 'Kalevala enthusiasm', or Karelianism. This study presents the case for how the conceptions of a distant, glorious past have been advanced and actively developed within the national project of constructing a modern ethnicity of Finnishness. Accordingly, a conception of an original ancient greatness was paramount for the nationalist movements in both the Grand Duchy and the early Republic of Finland, especially so when the perceived nation was considered in need of intellectually unifying defences against the many conceived threats of Russianness after ca 1890.The author traces the construction of a Finnish Great Myth of National Origins from the 16th century until the end of the Second World War, and provides richly illustrated examples of how the process of nation-building influenced and amplified the deep historical core of the emerging Finnish national consciousness. ... Read more

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Planning and Urban Growth in Nordic Countries examines urban development and planning in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Emphasis is on the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the present day, and the authors of each 'country-study' look at their own national developments against the background of those in other 'Nordic countries', as well as the rest of Europe and the United States. ... Read more

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The strategy of the British and French prior to World War II was to preserve the status quo after the disaster of World War I. Donald Stoker's book examines British and French involvement from 1919 to 1939 in the creation and development of the naval forces of Poland, Finland and the three Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.This is an in-depth scholarly study of a subject that should appeal to students of international history, strategy, international relations and naval history in general. ... Read more

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Excellent survey of a little known aspect of naval history.
Stoker's work on inter-war Baltic Navies, and their relationship with the great powers is not only a first in English, but also very good.He provides a great deal of information on Polish, Latvian, Estonian, Finnish, efforts to produce naval power, at least capable of fending off the Soviets in the 1920s-30s.This book also covers the machinations of British and French arms dealers, who often pushed substandard, shoddy, or just plain peculiar weapons into the Baltic market.Based on research in many countries, this would be an excellent addition on the shelf of a naval, diplomatic, military, or Baltic historian. ... Read more

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Finland has recently come to the attention to global strategic planners.This report puts these executives on the fast track.Ten chapters provide: an overview of how to strategically access this important market, a discussion on economic fundamentals, marketing & distribution options, export and direct investment options, and full risk assessments (political, cultural, legal, human resources).Ample statistical benchmarks and comparative graphs are given. ... Read more