A Short History of Finland

by Fred Singleton

This is a second edition of the successful study of Finland in the English language. A Short History of Finland traces the historical development of the country from its settlement by the Finns in the first millennium AD to the present time, exploring Finland's earlier connection with Sweden, the complex relationship with Russia that has dominated Finnish history in the past two centuries, and the postwar achievements of the second republic. This second edition has been revised and updated by Emeritus Professor A. F. Upton, a leading scholar of Scandinavian history. It covers the impact of the break-up of the Soviet Union and brings events up to Finland's admission to the European Union in 1995.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1989

Reviews

[PJ]

This book a nice recap of the history of my country. However, I don't think I would have gotten much out of the book if I wouldn't have read the history and known most of the names from before. I felt like the book just threw out the names and dates and didn't flow as I wished. I was also disappointed at the very short description of Finnswedes at the end of the book as it still is a big part of the Finnish culture today. After all, I enjoyed the read and was happy I could find a book about Finland in English.

[Kris McCracken]

The reason why I chose A Short History of Finland is relatively simple: I find Finland very interesting. This book is a quick romp through the the historical development of the country from its settlement by the Finns in the first millennium AD to now, exploring their connection with Sweden, the relationship with Russia that has dominated more recent Finnish history, and the post-war achievements of the second republic.

The reason that Finland interests me is quite straightforward: it’s interesting! Think about it: a small nation with limited natural resources and on the periphery of global events somehow went from being a secessionist backwater – that could not even feed its own inhabitants – of the failing Russian empire at the beginning of the century; to emerge from a civil war at the birth of one’s nationhood; rebuild its economy in the centre of a global depression; then partake in not one but TWO destructive wars with an infinitely stronger neighbour; rebuild yet again in the context of a Cold War with the constraint (and opportunity) of living right next door to the Soviet Union and end up with perhaps the best educational system in the world and to be constantly ranked as one of the world's most peaceful, competitive and liveable countries.

That is the sort of tale that makes for an interesting short history! Recommended.

[Ishmael Soledad]

I knew only the basics of Finn history, and even that not fully, so came to this book wanting to fill the gaps. It did more than that, providing broad background and detail of the emergence of this country and it's relations with its near neighbors Russia and Sweden.

Its a good, although at times dry, read, and places emphasis (in terms of length and coverage) on the pre-1940's development and roots of Finland. This is probably the book's strength, as is the sense of where the Finnish national (and cultural) identity came from. As the title says, its a short history, so there have been choices made as to what to cover and what to omit; it works.

[Angela]

Although it wouldn't be particularly scintillating otherwise, I feel like this was good prep work for my move back to Finland.

The language issues were particularly interesting. I think it has helped my understanding of swedish-speaking Finns a bit more.

And I was delighted to learn that Finlayson wasn't Finnish at all -- he came from Glasgow!

[Tim Robinson]

Singleton, with the benefit of hindsight, thinks that Finland was never in any real danger of becoming a Soviet satellite. I do not share his complacency. The subjugation of Finland was always on the agenda in Moscow, and the fact that it never quite reached the top of the list, is as much a matter of luck as of the skill of the Finnish government.

Having said that, the Russian's attitude towards Finland seems positively benign when compared to their actions in Poland. One could almost describe the Russian-controlled Grand Duchy in the 19th century as the "Finnish Renaissance".

[William]

Clear and concise. Not nearly as tedious as the average history of Finland (I try to read them all). It is true that for centuries Finland did not have its own identity and no great actors on its own stage, but more needs to be said about what was going on in this land before 1800 besides the Sweden-Russia "player" names. I admit that there is little documentation of daily life before the 19th century, but an effort should be made to uncover Finland instead of simply recounting the same few historical facts. A few maps besides the one included would certainly be helpful, too.

[SethMantel]

Plenty of good information, though I question the organisation of it as well as the importance of certain details mixed in with events of greater importance. This may have been a consequence of the author's deeply unfortunate state of health.

Some figures were named only by their surname, while others were given their full name, and they can both occur in the same sentence.

[Gary]

“A Short History of Finland” provides just that, although it is not as thin as might be expected. It does provide a good introduction to the Finnish story, focusing more on political and military events than people migration and current events. This approach satisfied me however, and opened the door to further more specific exploration.

[Brian]

Brief summary of the little country sandwiched between Sweden and Russia.

[Jerick]

A great summarized education of Finland.

[Matt]

Finland is so fascinating. Their language is utterly enchanting to listen to. Consider just these few facts that are utterly gut-punching in their starkness: - At the time of their declared independence in 1917, they actually had no standing army! Waaa???? - Not long after their declared independence, their land was plunged into a mini- civil war - Finland actually sided with Nazi Germany in World War Two. - Finland then sided with the Soviet Union in the Cold War.

How do these counterintuitive things happen, while such an innovative and soulful culture emerges from them? Truly fascinating. The Finnish people have suffered so much. While many countries have had to deal with growing pains through the Industrial Revolution, the Finnish people have had to fight to define and preserve their people, their language, and their love for their land at great odds, in the teeth of the Soviets, the Russians, and the Germans and have emerged truly victorious. I say "Victorious" because they truly have turned suffering and tribulation into love and beauty, in a punishing, yet beautiful ecology. This little book explains just a little how that has happened.

[Slava]

If you want to take a quick glance on finnish history and try to understand the spirit of the nation, read this book. Starting from ancient times, it depictes the process of separate tribals growing into a small, but influential nation. Unfortunately it finishes at late 80s, so no later events described.

[lotta marie]

sadly, very poorly written and definitely not made for those who are unfamiliar with the finnish history. also at some points unnecessarily tainted by personal opinion, rather than historical fact.

[Alyssa]

Like most history books and me it was a slow go, but it was interesting and extremely informative