Denmark Books

I have actually read many of the Culture Shock books, as I have lived in, traveled to, and/or reported to managers of several countries. I find it fascinating to learn about other cultures and nationalities, and so find the Culture Shock series indispensable. Although I have lived in Sweden, I realized that I knew little of the Finns and of Finland.

This book covers the level of detail that I would expect from a cultural overview, and it provides insight from other individuals beyond that of the author's. The previous Culture Shock book I had read was about Canada, and that one was terrible -- I did not feel that I knew much more about the country than when I had started reading. In contrast, the Finland edition is very detailed and engaging -- I have learned a lot. Perhaps it is simpler to write of a relatively small country with a population of less than 6 million as opposed to the 2nd largest in the world with great diversity, but nonetheless, I can attest that the Culture Shock! Finland guide would be a necessity for anyone contemplating a move to the country, or for someone who works for a Finnish company/manager.

This book is fascinating. I was in Finland for a year for Fulbright and this book helped me to begin understanding the culture of Finns. It is honest and at times hilarious!

I shared it with my Finnish friends while I was there and we roared with laughter because it is all dead on!

Perfect for the person who will be going to Finland, and live for any length of time there. I am not entirely sure it would be necessary reading for the tourist, but much better for a person who will actually live amongst the Finns. So, if you are in business and will be spending any significant time in Finland, this is very much essential reading. It would be good for Diplomats new to the country or their jobs to read the work as well.

However, for the children of Finnish Immigrants, ( I can really only speak for Canada, but think it would apply evenly to the United States, specifically Minnesota ) I think the work to be ESSENTIAL READING. Much of Finnish culture was imparted to me, and my cousins while growing up, but it was Swallow's attention to the details, and her "anglo-sizing" events that made many things much more clear to me.

Swallow has a wit and humour to her writing, and it was an enjoyable read. I have kept it secret, and away from my wife, as I am sure that she would poke fun at some of the Finnish idiosyncrasies.

Excellent book.

I, unfortunately, found the book after our recent trip. I had to laugh at so many of the customs and especially the traits, as I am of Finnish decent. It was light hearted, and I found it to be right on the mark, especially in helping me find out why I am the way I am. Have passed the book around and everyone agrees that it's a winner!

I'm leaving in August to be an exchange student to Finland and this book told me everything the Lonely planet guides were afraid too! This book was divided into nicely planned sections with a wonderful section dedicated to doing bussiness in the country. No book about Finland would be complete without the sauna chapter- and this book spares nothing. It has been by far the best preparation book I've read. The only downfall is that it is written by a Brittish woman- but she makes both Bristtish and American comparisons whenever possible.

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that will keep the reader riveted to its pages until the very end. It tells the story of Princess Caroline Mathilde of England, sister to King George III. At the age of fifteen she was wed to young King Christian VII, who eventually became known as the mad king of Denmark. Temperamental, high strung, and given to strange outbursts, his predilection for strange behavior was known early on, but despite this, the two kingdoms would still see these two wed, as the unification of England and Denmark was paramount to individual happiness.

King Christian VII developed a peculiar aversion to his wife and, consequently had conjugal relations with her only once, which propitiously resulted in the birth of a son nine months later. Alone in a foreign country, whose language she was only beginning to learn, and estranged from a King surrounded by sycophants, the young Queen gravitated to the one person who treated her as a person in her own right, the King's physician, Johann Struensee.

An advocate of the philosophy of Enlightenment that was overtaking Europe, Struensee had many ideas that were introduced as reforms in Denmark, through his influence with the King, who by now was easily led. These reforms were to make many enemies for him, as they upset the established feudal system that still existed in eighteenth century Denmark at the time. As he gained power through his influence, resentment against him grew within those circles that had formerly been close to the King. Unaware of the growing animosity against him, Struensee and the Queen became close intimates, bound by shared ideas and interests.

Struensee's relationship with the Queen, who was lonely and starved for affection, eventually transgressed the bounds set by propriety. Now lovers in fact, their relationship became grist for the rumor mill. As gossip and innuendo about their relationship swirled across royal circles in Europe, it ultimately became the focal point for a political coup that saw them both arrested and charged with treason. What ultimately happened to each of them was tragic.

This is a richly atmospheric work of historical fiction, filled with political intrigue, historical personages and events, as well as a bittersweet and poignant romance that was to have so many personal and political ramifications. It is a well told story that will hold the reader in its thrall until the very last page is turned.

This is a well-written work of historical fiction that will keep the reader riveted to its pages until the very end. It tells the story of Princess Caroline Mathilde of England, sister to King George III. At the age of fifteen she was wed to young King Christian VII, who eventually became known as the mad king of Denmark. Temperamental, high strung, and given to strange outbursts, his predilection for strange behavior was known early on, but despite this, the two kingdoms would still see these two wed, as the unification of England and Denmark was paramount to individual happiness.

King Christian VII developed a peculiar aversion to his wife and, consequently had conjugal relations with her only once, which propitiously resulted in the birth of a son nine months later. Alone in a foreign country, whose language she was only beginning to learn, and estranged from a King surrounded by sycophants, the young Queen gravitated to the one person who treated her as a person in her own right, the King's physician, Johann Struensee.

An advocate of the philosophy of Enlightenment that was overtaking Europe, Struensee had many ideas that were introduced as reforms in Denmark, through his influence with the King, who by now was easily led. These reforms were to make many enemies for him, as they upset the established feudal system that still existed in eighteenth century Denmark at the time. As he gained power through his influence, resentment against him grew within those circles that had formerly been close to the King. Unaware of the growing animosity against him, Struensee and the Queen became close intimates, bound by shared ideas and interests.

Struensee's relationship with the Queen, who was lonely and starved for affection, eventually transgressed the bounds set by propriety. Now lovers in fact, their relationship became grist for the rumor mill. As gossip and innuendo about their relationship swirled across royal circles in Europe, it ultimately became the focal point for a political coup that saw them both arrested and charged with treason. What ultimately happened to each of them was tragic.

This is a richly atmospheric work of historical fiction, filled with political intrigue, historical personages and events, as well as a bittersweet and poignant romance that was to have so many personal and political ramifications. It is a well told story that will hold the reader in its thrall until the very last page is turned.

This book is a true story about an English princess who was married to a mad king of Denmark. Like Mary of Scots she became involved in a high profile affair, producing a child. This book is well researched, emotionally moving, and written with a nearly extinct flare. A very good read!

This book is a story about an English princess who was married to a mad king of Denmark. Like Mary of Scots she became involved in a high profile affair. This book is well researched, emotionally moving, and written with a nearly extinct flare. A very good read!

An emotional telling of the story of Princess Caroline of England. Sister to King George III, she, like most royal daughters of that time, was forced to leave home and marry the King of Denmark. Unfortunately, Christian of Denmark was insane as a result of contracting syphillis. Her life with him was almost torture and before long she fell in love with the court physician who wanted to rule Denmark more along the lines of the English. Of course, it ends disasterously.

Lofts does a very good job of conveying the feelings of the main characters and the reader develops an emotional attachment to their very sad lives. Only one complaint, I wish the author would have given a brief epilogue about the characters, especially the children of Caroline. I wondered what happened to her son and daughter.

Time Out Copenhagen covers it all, and more. Having read this book before actually going to Copenhagen is the best one can do. You will know exactly what to visit, where to eat and stay, where kids can play, and more. It is refreshingly honest and contains lots of information such as fees, schedules, addresses, maps, pictures. You will read if the place is popular and if the authors think it is worth it, if you get what you paid for, etc. Best book I bought on the matter. The book is organized in a way that makes it is hard to put down too. Highly recommended.

I really appreciated the layout of this book by topic (i.e. Where to Stay, Sightseeing, Eat-Drink-Shop, Arts & Entertainment, etc.). Although this may make it a better bet for those planning ahead well in advance instead of dropping into Denmark, it is a perfect companion to Denmark (DK Eyewitness Travel Guides), which is laid out mainly by region.

I recently went to Copenhagen in mid-July 2004, and this was my first time there. I didn't know anything about the place and I needed to find good information about accommodation, restaurants, and transportation. This Time Out Copenhagen Guide book was truly informative and accurate. I stayed in a hotel mentioned in the book and it was great (lovely romantic rooms). I tried one of the restaurants recommended and that was wonderful too (great food, lovely atmosphere). Other witty and funny information about the history, famous/not-so famous Danish people, etc., in the Guide helps me to understand the city and locals more. I am really pleased with this guide book. I have ordered many guide book in the past (e.g. EyeWitness Guides) and I find Time Out Guides to be better in comparison. The information about the hotel accommodations, restaurants, etc., are spot-on, uptodate, and very useful. I will definitely buy more Time Out Guides for other cities in the future. I really recommend Time Out Guide book to anyone who are deciding on which Guides to buy.

Before going to Copenhagen, I purchased several guides...this is the one I used. Covers the usual castle, museum stuff but excels in the less usual stuff like club-life, small restaurants (try Ban-Gaw for Thai food and watch the human traffic on in the tacky old sex district of Istedgade),....prices are up-to-date, good info on train travel, good section on nearby Malmo.Lots of opinions...mostly right on. Could use a better map.

An excellent guide. I was familiar with Copenhagen as a student 10 years ago and this book helped me right back into step. The general feel is spot-on and it's written for a more adventurous traveler than one just off the cruise ship. The book is irrepressibly positive, and perhaps overstates the charm and style of some sites - just like a guide book usually does. I thought the maps to be good, and they thoroughly cross-reference the entries. The addresses and hours seem to be correct. Copenhagen is an underrated European city; virtually untouched by the past ravages of war and living very much in the present day. If you're destination shopping, the city rates an 8+, and so does the guide. Bring, rent or buy a bicycle if you really want to go local.

I thought that A way thought the sea was an excellent book. I thought it was one of the best books I have read in a long time it was exciting,adventurous and interesting. I have read other book by Robert Elmer and I thought thay were great.

A great book, Peter and Elise help their Jewish friend Henrick get to sweden. Good for adventure lovers, WWII nuts, and everyone else!

My 11-year old son is a WWII nut and absolutely LOVES this series. Each time he receives one of the books, he stays up late until the whole thing is read as he cannot put them down. He highly recommends them.

This book is GREAT! It is for people into World War two. I loved it! I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down!

My children and I very much enjoyed all 8 books in this series. Although the escapades that Peter, his sister Elise, and friend Henrik get themselves into are far-fetched, my children very much enjoyed these books and did not want me to put them down until we'd finished reading 'just the next chapter.' I was pleased with the historical references and the epilogue that would relate the book to the actual historical background that it was based upon. I chose the books, originally, because of the author's dedication to remembering his Danish heritage, which we also share in, and for its sound Christian ideals.

As a storyteller I love to tell stories by Hans Christian Anderson and was thrilled to find out he was an accomplished cutter of paper. While his paper cuttings are much more intricate than the ones I do when I tell stories, the author helped me to understand that his ability to tell stories while cutting paper is a good way to keep the attention of small children. I found that "Grandma's Magic Scissors" by Linda S. Day was a good book to learn basic paper cutting skills and hope that someday I can learn to cut the intricate designs that this master storyteller cut, although I think I will carry my scissors in a bag and not my boot.

I'm a paper artist who also happens to be a Hans Christian Andersen fan. I bought the book for myself, although it would be a terrific selection for a child who likes to use scissors and glue or who might be interested in the person behind some of their favorite fairy tales. It's hard to find many printed examples outside of Denmark of Hans Christian Andersen's cut paper work. Beth Wagner Brust is a paper cutter herself and brings this enthusiasm to her book. She has performed a great service for Andersen fans and paper cutters of all ages.

Not only is the author great (I know her!) but this book explores an interesting topic. Those paper cuttings are unreal! I mean they are real, but they are so amazing!

Like so many Americans, I had no idea HC Andersen was a paper-cutting genius, until reading the series of articles by Ms. Brust in the LA Times. Not to mention that he cut these "amazing" intricate pieces while telling one of his stories to a roomful of listeners at the same time.

The book's a treasure in that I feel like I've discovered gold within. Not simply a children's book, it's so well written and full of surprises, I think it will appeal to readers of all ages, from the casually curious child or adult to the Andersen enthusiast like me.

Of all the Medieval Mysteries, this is by far the best of the bunch. The storytelling is absolutely superb, the rendition of Hamlet is remarkable.

Gordon has really outdone himself. This series keeps getting better and better with each new novel. How is he going to top this one? I have no idea, but I cannot wait to find out!

In 1204 AD, Pope Innocent III declares the Fools' Guild as the most dangerous enemy that the Christian hierarchy faces, even more perilous than the Saracens, due to their subversive mockery of church hypocrisy. He sends an army of God to devastate the guild. Though they are Fools, these are not fools so they hide in the Black Forest (thankfully it is summer). The members heed the words of leader Father Gerald as he tells a morality tale from the annals of their history that explains why they must continue even though outlawed.

Less than five decades ago in Denmark, three men were in a power struggle to claim the throne. As civil war explodes, another claimant patiently waits to usurp the throne. The Fools' Guild dispatches Terence to observe one of the contenders Duke Orvendil. Upon Terrence's arrival, Orvendil's son renames him Yorick. Major double crosses and murders become the norm as Danish blood flows freely and no one trusts anyone else. Fools like Theophilos, alas he knew Yorick well, was a key player as they destroyed some of the more vile pretenders and their followers. Still he wonders if back in 1157, he and Yorick crossed the line as he has hid his role and his ungainly heritage even from his beloved Claudia.

AN ANTIC DISPOSITION uses a tale within a story to develop a deep morality tale as the prime story line though that is a flashback. That inner plot tells the excitingly "true" story of Shakespeare's' Hamlet. Alan Gordon may have written his best tale to date, which says a lot as this is one of the finest medieval series on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

While gathering in the Black Forest for training, the Jesters Guild hears a story of how the Guild worked to prevent a war in Denmark. The story is a long one, involving a man who betrayed his brother and married his sister-in-law, the son who seemed mad, that son's doomed love for a beautiful woman, spies, secret messages and poison.

For the first half the story, the protagonist is a fool, Terrance of York (renamed Yorick by the young Amleth), while Amleth himself becomes the primary figure after the death of his father. Strong story-telling, and the strong underlying story propell the narrative seamlessly through this transition.

In fact, author Alan Gordon retells the story of Shakespear's Hamlet--but with the Fools playing a larger role. The Jester's Guild is a formidable force for peace during the middle east, and a small group of fools have their hands full in a wild time in Denmark's history when the nation is pulling itself together, but where multiple men see their chances to become King--even if it means betraying their promises.

Fans of the Shakespear play will enjoy Gordon's retelling of the story--and the surprise ending. But the enjoyment is not limited to Shakespear fans. The idea of a medieval Fools Guild which wroks for peace is a strong one that has served Gordon well across a number of these stories (and something we need more of in our world today).

If you enjoy historical mystery with a touch of humor, you don't want to miss Alan Gordon's Fool series--and AN ANTIC DISPOSITION is a great one to get started with.

I get so excited when I find another great writer especially in the medieval era. Not only do I get my history, but a mystery mixed in with it. I prefer my history to be as accurate as possible, and though I know from geneaology, going past the year 1000 makes it real fun to find out names and births and deaths because the only records kept at that time were those of kings and queens, and monastery records. They were just starting to keep written records of the local areas and they were very inconsistent. People could and did disappear off the face of the earth just as if they had never existed.

Soon into the story, I became aware that this story was based on Hamlet's story...but not the one that Shakespeare wrote. He wrote a play that was designed to please the masses and get the most information in in as little time as possible. Gordon uses historical records from which Shakespeare also gleaned his stories. This story within a story does a great job of 'filling in the blanks'. When I was in English Literature I did not enjoy Shakespeare's tragedies as much as his comedies for obvious reasons and some not so obvious reasons. I felt that much of the background to Hamlet's inability to forget his father's death was lacking. He would say some things that were poetic alright, but why bring it up if it didn't add much to the story (Alas, poor Yorick, I knew him well).

I intend to read all of Gordon's books now and look forward to it. I had no idea that there was a guild for fools/jesters, though that makes sense. Guilds were their versions of our unions today. Besides the fact that they provided shelter and a sense of companionship for each other.

I was sincerely glad that the story ended a bit more happily than in Shakespere's version. When Amleth brought out something of Yorick's to give to his son, I was relieved he didn't give him his skull! Excellent writing, enjoyable reading, good history. Couldn't ask for more!

Karen Sadler

They are called the Bog People--these remains found in peat bogs in Denmark in the early 1950's. P.V. Glob gives us this story as a direct request of schoolgirls in England in the early 1960's. Asking for more information, the girls wrote: "We would like to know where he (the Tollund man) is now because we want to visit him when we are older." After sending some print-outs, Glob received yet another letter: "We like hearing about these people because it is amazing how well they have kept." THE BOG PEOPLE is his response to these curious girls.

If you are thinking circus at this point, you have captured that trait of man fascinated in the really weird things of life. When I taught "Beowulf the Epic," I included stories and photos from this book and displayed them through use of an opaque machine. Some students were so mesmerized they would leave their seats to examine the photos up close.

What the reader/viewer finds in these photos is an extremely bizarre preservation of these mummies with such detail, one can see eyelids, fingernails, blood vessels, hair, skin pores, and, yes, finger prints. Even the stomach contents of Tollund Man (shown on the cover) are preserved and include clover, rye, buttercup, yarrow, nightshade--it is believed to be a sort of vegetarian soup.

A noose was also found around Tollund Man's neck. Historians believe he was part of a ritual killing for sacrificial purposes. There are other remains, now in museums, that depict other details of life a thousand and more years ago. What preserved these people for so long--unbeknowst to the preservers-- was the peat, whose properties in water prevent normal decay. (The other way is intentional mummification, of course, the method practiced by the Egyptians.)

All in all, this book provides fascinating clues to the way of the life of man in prehistoric northern Europe. Plus, you get to gawk in the privacy of your own home.

A beautiful slim volume which should be on everyone's bookshelf. It is a disturbing and yet strangely moving book. However the text is woefully out of date and has a lot of misinformation on the Celts and their relationship with the trading systems of the North. It also lacks the modern theories of how and why these individuals were sacrificed. I highly recommend this book just as long as you don't use it as your only source of information on the Celts.

P. V. Glob's BOG PEOPLE is a concise and illuminating study of several exquisitly preserved bodies of Iron Age inhabitant discovered northern Denmark by peat diggers in the early 1950s.

Glob, who was on the scene soon after the bodies were discovered, describes the remarkable condition of the bodies, then proceeds to explore the circumstances of their deaths. Glob's exposition gives us a look into the practice of ritual sacrifice in Iron Age northern Europe. Enhancing his discussion with studies of their last meals, the manner of death, the clothes and jewelry they wore as well as other bog artifacts, Glob introduces us to a brutal world where ritual sacrifice played a critical role in the spiritual life of Iron Age residents of modern day Denmark.

The photographs and x-rays of the bodies are stunning. In particular, the haunting photos of the serene, delicately preserved Tolland man cast this study in an earthy yet unearthly light.

This is a rather unusual book and well worth reading. Most of the time we read about remains being found in caves,tombs or graves under stone monuments,etc. In this case, there is a real departure in that they are found in wet bogs.
Although, at the time these bodies were placed in the bogs,it was probably not known that the acidic properties wound result in their unbelievable preservation.
These bodies were most likely "buried" in the period of 200 B.C until
200 A.D. This period was during the early Bronze Age and in the northern
and western part of Europe. Civilization was not near as well developed here as in southern Europe when Rome was at its height of development.
The author describes a few of the remains and tries to show who these people were and why they were interred in bogs.This occurred over a wide area and at many locations.
There seems to be two main reasons why remains were placed in these bogs.
Some were obviously murdered,sacrificed,hung or otherwise executed because of crimes,need of a victim for sacrifice, or because they were thought to be possessed,or otherwise evil. Many were staked to the ground to prevent them or their spirits from returning. Others were placed there because of their high ranking in the society.This was determined because those remains showed no evidence of wounds,mutilation or ropes around their necks or limbs.They were also accompanied with artifacts and or treasures.
This book would probably not be considered a great or highly learned Archaeological effort. Be that as it may,it is a very interesting read and an insight into life at the time through a very different window.
The author has included a large number of excellent photos;though it's a shame they are not in color.
It is also of note, that it was first published in 1969 and is still in print.

This is one of the most thorough accounts available of the 1940 northern campaigns. Although of vital importance, little has been written about operations in Denmark and Norway during World War 2. The Germans invaded both countries in April 1940 to ensure a continued flow of iron ore from Scandinavia and to secure additional northern naval bases so that their fleet would not be bottled up as it had been during the First World War. The campaign covered a huge area, involved some intense combat and was one of the only German operations to involve all military branches.

The author seamlessly weaves together a narrative of the complex naval, air and land actions of the campaign. The writing is exceptionally clear and easy to follow. The 2D maps are fantastic. They include: an overview of the operational area and initial fleet movements; the invasion of Denmark; the Royal Navy's response to the invasion; land movements from April 12 to May 3; the Battle of Narvik. This is a excellent account of a little known World War 2 campaign. It is also a example of the Osprey Campaign Series at its very best.

Douglas C. Dildy's DENMARK AND NORWAY 1940: HITLER'S BOLDEST OPERATION tells of an assault which represented the first joint air-land-and-sea campaign in the history of warfare, and thus marked a turning point not just in one battle, but in military strategy as a whole. The campaign led to Winston Churchill's appointment as British Prime Minister and was a key event beyond the ordinary: as such this history needs a place in any serious World War II or general military bookshelf.

I have read quite a bit about the Norwegian campaign, but this slender volume covers much that is new to me. Too often, the focus is on the initial invasion and the naval actions. The land side typically only rates brief mention about how the lack of air cover doomed the Allied counter-invasion. However, Doug Dildy instead focuses on the land side, detailing how the Germans managed to conquer Norway on a shoe-string. It is a remarkable story. There are plenty of maps to help understand the complex operation, the 3-D maps in particular being used to show critical actions in detail. He shows how German airpower was actually employed to help decide the battles; but it is also clear that German aggressiveness, tactical superiority and ability to out-maneuver their opponents was not limited to their panzer divisions.

The naval side is hardly slighted and Dildy also covers the invasion of Denmark, something usually completely ignored. It is very impressive how he was able to cram so much in just 96 pages; this book ranks among the best of the Osprey Campaign series.

The German invasion of Norway and Denmark is a fascinating subject in military history that unfortunately has not received a great deal of attention from English-speaking historians since the British Official History was published decades ago. Readers looking for an unbiased account of the military campaign were hard put to find a good single volume reference. However, Douglas C. Dildy, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, provides that sorely needed reference in Osprey's Campaign No. 183. Not only does the author provide a well-balanced summary of the operations in Norway, but he also details the little-known operations in Denmark, as well. This is a very well put together campaign summary.

In the opening sections, the author lays out the origins of the campaign and the genesis of the German and Allied plans for Norway. The section on opposing commanders covers 3 German army leaders, 1 naval and 1 Luftwaffe leader, but skims over Norwegian leadership and then describes 3 British and 1 French leader. This section was a bit unbalanced, with French General Bethouart - the only Allied leader who accomplished anything of substance in the campaign getting only a nod (no photo), while British commanders who did little (e.g. Mackesy and Auchinleck) get more than their due. This unbalanced perspective is probably a result of over-reliance on the British official history, which slights the contributions of French, Norwegian and Polish officers while exaggerating the role of people who exercised only paper commands. The section on opposing forces is weightier, with 10 pages discussing relevant air, land and sea forces from all participants. A 2-page order of battle is also included.

Graphically, the volume includes five 2-D maps (Deployment of naval forces, 8 April 1940; the invasion of Denmark, 9 April 1940; Deployment of Royal Navy forces to counter the invasion of Norway, 9 April 1940; the German capture of Southern and Central Norway, 12 April - 3 May 1940; Deployment of forces for the Battle of Narvik, 10 May 1940), three 3-D BEV maps (seaborne assaults in Oslo fjord, 9 April 1940; the battles around Lillehammer, 20-24 April 1940; Allied forces recapture Narvik, 12-28 May 1940) and three battle scenes by John White (the destroyer battle in Narvik Harbor, 10 April 1940; the NBFZ B Heavy tank in the Battle of Kvam, 25 April 1940; FAA Skua attack on the Scharnhorst in Trondheim Fjord, 13 June 1940). The author also provides an excellent bibliography.

The campaign narrative lays out the opening German invasion moves in Norway and Denmark with a commendable level of detail for a volume this size. Coverage of the invasion of Denmark is particularly noteworthy, since few works address this subject (although the author does not really discuss why the troops in Jutland failed to defend the border but the palace guards defended the capital). The author then covers each invasion area in about a half-page, with emphasis on the capture of Oslo. The next sections deals with the Royal Navy's response, the arrival of Allied troops in Norway, the Luftwaffe's air superiority and the recapture of Narvik. Final sections cover the Allied evacuation and the last air-sea battles in Norwegian waters. The photographs supporting the text were excellent throughout the volume.

The author sees the German invasion of Norway as a Pyrrhic victory that crippled the Kriegsmarine for the rest of the war, but "as a joint campaign it set the standard and pattern for all other air-land-sea offensives that followed." I'm not sure that the war's outcome would have been much different if the cruiser Blucher and the 10 destroyers lost at Narvik had survived the campaign - after all, the Royal Navy had the Kriegsmarine outgunned before the invasion, so losses in the campaign could hardly be credited with altering the naval balance. The diversion of numerous divisions to guard Norway's coastline was probably more damaging for the German war effort, since about 10 badly-needed infantry divisions sat on the war on a sideshow front. Overall, this is a terrific effort, with the only significant omission being the lack of data on personnel casualties suffered in the campaign or aircraft losses.

Good value, well written and with pictures os good quality.
And,...nice country.
JA

With vivid descriptions of cultures and places, superb maps, expert historical discussions, and delightfully charming photographs from cover to cover, this guide offers the reader everything needed to visit this magnificent, magical country.

I lived in Helsinki for 4 months and traveled around a bit (to Kuopio, Karigasniemi and Ivalo, as well as eastward to St. Petersburg). This is the best guide to Finland I've seen in English. They give not only important tourist information (maps, restaurant and hotel recommendations, attractions, tips, etc.), but also great cultural and historical information that will help put all the tourist stuff in perspective for you.

Finland can seem surprisingly foreign if you're expecting it to be just like Scandinavia or the rest of western Europe. But with a little help from the Insight guide you'll find it unique and exciting and beautiful rather than frighteningly different. Get ready for all the stereotypical pleasures (like the sauna and amazing architecture) and some less stereotypical ones like cutting edge, world class design, beautiful birch forests, spectacular lakes, and really weird yogurt-like stuff and juustoleipä!

Finland, here you come!

All too often, Finland has been unfairly treated by many snobbish travel writers - too clean, too expensive, too Northern. For many of those identifying Finland only with mobile phones, the history, the architecture and the landscapes of this brave, spectacularly handsome and exceedingly talented country is largely unknown. This guide tells the story and shows the pictures in a friendly, seemingly effortless and hugely informative way.

The book - in common with other Insight Guide publications - is as beautiful as the cover picture suggests. They do not cut corners on buying top quality photos or commissioning informed articles, and it shows. The writing does not have the cynicism and grumpy attitude of shoestring-travel guidebooks: instead, it offers warmth and genuine attempt to look into the country and its people (not only to list its cheapest accommodation).

Insight Guides is quite laconic about basic survival within the country, but the pages that are there fully fit the task suffice. Moreover, in Finland, where the knowledge of English is practically universal and the system of public information about transport and other facilities is second to none, you do not need too much hand-holding anyway.

This beautiful and informative book is worth every penny.

This work provides a unique look at the individuals involved in the Danish Resistance Movement during World War II. Most other works on the subject describe either the resistance as a whole or a few more public figures, but Skov describes the life and feelings of an individual trying to "put a prick in the German wehrmacht." His perspective is valuable, and he presents his narrative with insightful discussion on both the war and human nature.

I had the honor of taking a class from Dr. Skov, on "The Experience of War in 20th Century Europe". "Letter to my Descendents" was one of our texts.

I'll admit, there are memoirs of resistance activities that I consider to be more interesting and better written. However, Skov's biting, dark sense of humor, combined with his unassuming sense of arrogance, make for a unique read.

For me, "Letter" drives home the fact that each and every one of us is capable of resistance. The question is, will be accept this in ourselves?

I was fortunate to have Niels Skov as a professor and as an academic advisor some 20 years ago. When I learned he had written a book, I knew it would be well worth reading.

This is as good as it gets in first person history. An honest and direct account with no particular axes to grind. I found the book hard to put down. Niels has included a wealth of fine detail on day-to-day life in the 30's and during the war, which makes his experiences very real, sometimes chillingly so.

I consider it an honor to have grown up with Dr. Skov's youngest child. Having known this gentle man my entire life, I knew that he had been involved in the war in some way but to finally read his words have given me a much greater respect for him as a person, as a father and as a teacher. I cannot relate what he is like to know, but to read of his trials during the war and his acceptance of sacrifice against terrible odds, we all become his descendants in part. My words don't do his justice, just read the book and be enriched by the experience. thank you Niels!