Books

Kalevala, compiled by Elias Lonnrot, translated by Keith Bosley (World Classics, 1989)

Like Britain's Beowulf and Greece's Odyssey, Kalevala is Finland's 50-chapter national epic, comprised of old Finnish folk poetry compiled by 19th-century scholar Elias Lonnrot. This collection of ancient creation myths, journeys, weddings, duels, spells, and lessons inspired Finnish national identity and is required reading for understanding the country's psyche. Kalevala has been translated into about 50 languages, including five English versions. Check out poet Keith Bosley's 1989 translation.

The Seven Brothers, by Aleksis Kivi, translation by Alex Matson (Coward-McCann, 1929)

Called "Finland's most celebrated literary treasure" and "the greatest Finnish novel of all time," this novel is a coming-of-age tale of seven brothers who struggle to survive and run the family farm after their parents die. Required reading for most Finnish students, The Seven Brothers celebrates the Finnish homeland and the transformation of seven scared, young boys to noble men. Check out the English translation by Alex Matson.

The Helsinki Chronicles of Dr. Louise C. Love and Mr. P. : Six Adventures in Finland's Capital, by Arthur M. Alexander, Notes by Olen Sukkela Poika (Author House, 2005)

Ramble across Helsinki with Dr. Louise Love as she unravels six mysteries that take her (and the reader) all over Finland's capital. Learn about Helsinki sights, and Finnish history, personalities, and language in this Sherlock Holmes-meets-Lonely Planet romp that entertains and informs. Poika's "Notes" follow each mystery, adding interesting factoids and references.