100 Faces from Finland - A Biographical Kaleidoscope

100 Faces From Finland contains a series of individual biographical studies dedicated to those who, in their own spheres of life, have made important contributions to the development of Finnish society. The articles came into being as part of the National Biography of Finland, which contains 6000 brief biographies edited by the Finnish Historical Society. The collection is not just an introduction to individuals, however, as the closely interwoven articles provide an overall view of Finland's human resources and expertise over the centuries. The book's time span stretches through three different cultural and political ages: The Middle Ages until 1809, when Finland was a part of the Swedish Realm; from 1809 to 1917, when it was a Russian Grand Duchy; and since 1917 when it has been an independent state. The collection contains, in equal proportions, people who are well-known for their contributions to society, and those who are famous in the arts and sciences. Political life is represented by the Presidents of the Republic, and the less exalted ranks of society by church builders and hunters. Cultural figures known to an international public -- from the architect Alvar Aalto to the composer Jean Sibelius or from the painter Helene Schjerfbeck to the glass artist Tapio Wirkkala -- are also presented in the book.