No comments about Dictionary of Scandinavian Biography.

No comments about Ice Fall in Norway.

1 comments about Witness to History: The Memoirs of Mauno Koivisto, President of Finland 1982 - 1994.

1. 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.

No comments about Lady With the Pen: Elise Waerenskjold in Texas (Scandinavians in America).

No comments about Danish-American Life and Letters: A Bibliography (Scandinavians in America).

2 comments about Something About Mary: From Girl About Town to Crown Princess.

1. How do I describe this book? If Comedy Central's "The Daily Show" ever done an A@E style biography show, this book would be it.
   
   What do I mean by this? An example would be when the author described the priest whom married Mary and Frederick; she said he spoke like the Swedish chief from "The Muppet Show." You know the one who went "Knoucky, knouck, knourk, knourk!"
   
   There are a few things I didn't like about this book; there is this one chapter that tells the paparazzo's point of view on Mary Donaldson's path to Denmark. As well as the paparazzi style pictures that is found in this book. Particularly, this one picture which was taped back together by one of paparazzi; whom dug it out of the then Ms. Donaldson trash can. If this is what Ms. Kate Middleton is currently going through she has my complete sympathy.
   
   Another thing I didn't like about this book was the Aussie slang, which I didn't understand it and the author offered no explanations about what the particular Aussie words mean.
   
   Other than that, the book is like I said humorous and serious at the same time. Also, the author should clearly try to get on "The Daily Show," I believe she would fit in perfectly with the cast members.



2. This book, though not an authorised biography and contains only 'researched' information, is a great read. Especially for the fellow Australian who can understand some of the references made - like the stories told in the Little Golden Books etc. This provided a few laughs, though not sure if they'll be understood by the non-antipodean!

No comments about Henrik Ibsen: A Study in Art and Personality.

No comments about Madam Prime Minister.

No comments about The Life of Goethe: A Critical Biography (Blackwell Critical Biographies).

No comments about Florence Nightingale: The Lady with the Lamp in Battle (Heroes of Faith and Courage Series).