A History of the Swedish People: Volume 1: From Prehistory to the Renaissance

A good interesting read.

Vilhelm Moberg (1898-1973) was one of Sweden's leading men of letters, chiefly remembered today for his peerless emigrant tetralogy. His Min Svenska Historia was his life's work, and only completed after his death. Published in Swedish in two volumes, this book is the English translation of the first book, taking the history of Sweden from prehistory, through to the Kalmar Union and the death of Queen Margareta.Unlike most history books of the era, though, this one is written with a definite slant. Moberg became disillusioned with the heroic history that he had been taught in his school days, finding that the great men and women of Swedish history actually had feet of clay that made their enshrining ludicrous. Embracing socialism in everything, he sought to write a book that reached past the kings and bigwigs of history, and told the story of the peasants that made the country everything that it was.The book is quite iconoclastic, poking fun at many people who figure large in other history books - kings, magnates, and Viking warriors. In many ways it is a book ahead of its time, refusing to genuflect before anyone, and making for some humorous and fascinating reading. My one complaint against this book is that this first book contains no index, which limits its usefulness for everyday use (though I presume that there may be an index in the second volume).So, if you are interested in reading a history of Sweden that is not like any other, or if you are interested in reading the thoughts of the great Vilhelm Moberg, then I highly recommend this book to you.

Very interesting take on the history of Sweden. Definitely not you typical "great men of history" book, thank goodness. Rather a more careful examination of what it was like for people living in Sweden over thousands of years. Planning to read volume two.

Moberg's writing is lively and entertaining (even in translation...), and he skips the battles and political situations except for their effect on the peasantry. He tells the story of the forgotten "little people" who were the principal residents of the land.

Great overview of Swedish history from 3000 BC (approximately to present.Author tells the story in an easy to understand manner and, in so doing, it is easy to identify with most of the people in Sweden during these 5000 years

There is a great deal of important information in this book, and volume 2. The author honestly warns the reader that the books are written from a socio-anthropological viewpoint. Though the history is interesting, much of the commentary appears to be interpretive. I know the author is well qualified to interpret, but tends to be boring. These books are definately worth the read, because they are a different view of Swedish history. They will not, however, be my resourse for future reference.

This is a history book written about a very challenging period due to lack of research materials. As such, it is the most pleasantly written style I have ever read. I actually prefer well-researched historical novels for ease of reading, however this was about as close as you can get for enjoyable education. I have now ordered and look forward to reading the second volume.