jjares reviewed History of Sweden: A Captivating Guide to Swedish History, Starting from Ancient Times through the Viking Age and Swedish Empire to the Present on + 3521 more book reviews
Since I knew virtually nothing about Sweden before reading this book, I was surprised and amazed. I had no idea about Sweden's neutrality policy or about the fascinating Queen Christina of Sweden. Although the book starts during the prehistoric period, the author covers the Viking Age, Christianity in Sweden, and notable monarchs.
Queen Christina was a polyglot who exhibited an unconventional lifestyle and often wore masculine clothing. A book could have been written about her alone. She was ahead of her time. She converted to Catholicism and nearly bankrupted the country with her lavish spending. Then, she abdicated and left the country.
Later, the book explains the critical Swedes Alfred Nobel and Raoul Wallenberg. This is a quick overview, but it is meaty and easy to understand.
Queen Christina was a polyglot who exhibited an unconventional lifestyle and often wore masculine clothing. A book could have been written about her alone. She was ahead of her time. She converted to Catholicism and nearly bankrupted the country with her lavish spending. Then, she abdicated and left the country.
Later, the book explains the critical Swedes Alfred Nobel and Raoul Wallenberg. This is a quick overview, but it is meaty and easy to understand.
