Subject
Finland -- History -- Revolution, 1917-1918 Books
Best books
Edv. (Edvard) Hjelt
Itsenäinen Suomi, unelmasta todellisuuteen
"Itsenäinen Suomi, unelmasta todellisuuteen" by Edv. Hjelt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work discusses the evolution of Finland's independence movement, focusing on the profound struggles and experiences that shaped the desire for self-governance. Hjelt intertwines his personal journey with the broader narrative of the Finnish people's aspirations, portraying their transition from a vague dream of autonomy to the harsh realities of warfare and political turmoil that ultimately led to independence. The opening of the work sets the stage by reflecting on the longstanding heart of the independence idea within the Finnish people, initially viewed as an elusive dream. It highlights significant historical milestones, such as the periods of oppression under foreign rule and the fierce battles that characterized the fight for national sovereignty. Hjelt expresses not just the collective aspirations of the nation but also his own pivotal role in advocating for Finland's autonomy. The introduction conveys a deep sense of commitment to the cause and emphasizes that the eventual realization of independence was a culmination of enduring sacrifices and relentless perseverance.
Eino Railo
Kynällä ja kiväärillä: "Sissin" itsenäisyys- ja vapaustaistelumme ajalta
"Kynällä ja kiväärillä: 'Sissin' itsenäisyys- ja vapaustaistelumme ajalta" by Eino Railo is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book reflects on Finland's struggle for independence and freedom during the tumultuous period marked by the aftermath of World War I and the Finnish Civil War. It provides a series of essays and reflections on significant events, figures, and the national sentiment surrounding Finland's quest for independence. The opening of the text introduces a contemplative narrative, addressing the complexities and struggles faced by the Finnish people during the political upheaval of the time. It begins with reflections on the desire for change and the challenges posed by political figures, such as Kerensky, while emphasizing a burgeoning sense of national identity and the call for true freedom. Through a series of anecdotes and observations, the author skillfully captures the mood of the people, their hardships, and their unwavering spirit in the face of oppression, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the themes of autonomy and resistance against foreign control.
Simo Eronen
Raudun taistelu
"Raudun taistelu" by Simo Eronen is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It chronicles the Battle of Rautu on the Karelian front of the Finnish Civil War from the White side, combining lecture-based narrative with battlefield maps to trace operations, logistics, and leadership under severe constraints. The opening of the book explains that the work grew from public lectures and introduces two detailed maps, then sketches the dire strategic situation in Karelia: ill-equipped White forces, scant ammunition, improvised artillery repaired in Sortavala, and the need to hold the Vuoksi line despite weak reserves. After an alert from the border at Raasuli and a brave but outnumbered stand, the defenders fall back to Rautu station, lose it to a much larger, well-armed enemy, and watch as the station is rapidly fortified with brick-lined trenches, machine-gun nests, and strongpoints. The respite lets the Whites form a semicircular screen around the station through Mäkrä, Leinikkälä, the parish village, and Orjansaari, enabling repeated flanking thrusts—often led by Veikko Läheniemi—that blunt major assaults toward the church and Leinikkälä despite constant artillery fire and few machine guns. Reinforcements arrive only in dribs and drabs, including a single refurbished gun that boosts morale and helps stall an attack, while nearby the Valkjärvi sector briefly buckles before being shored up. Command passes from Kehvola to Ekman as the text emphasizes the enemy’s advantages from Petrograd’s proximity—fresh troops, ample munitions, tighter leadership—and the Whites’ exhaustion, poor clothing, and lack of rest. Yet a fierce resolve, fueled by the memory of Russian incursions and the defense of home soil, sustains the line as the narrative approaches the arrival of Elfvengren and a promised reorganization.
Aarno Karimo
Tykkimiehen muistelmia Karjalan rintamalta
"Tykkimiehen muistelmia Karjalan rintamalta" by Aarno Karimo is a war memoir written in the early 20th century. It chronicles a Finnish artilleryman’s experiences on the Karelian front during the civil war, blending gritty combat, makeshift ingenuity, and dry humor. The narrative follows the narrator and his small gun crew as they stumble into gunnery, fight Red and Russian units, and draw vivid portraits of comrades—especially the hapless yet steadfast horseman Jussi. It offers a ground-level view of skirmishes, deprivation, and morale among White forces. The opening of the memoir states it is not a formal history but a set of frontline recollections, then plunges into the narrator’s scramble to join the artillery, improvised training in Sortavala with a mechanic, and chaotic first test firings. He is rushed to the Antrea sector, where an audacious, roughly plotted shot toward Ora becomes the first artillery salvo on that front, followed by a tense winter night defending the Vuoksi crossings with scant men and almost no firearms. Early actions around Noskua feature a dramatic mishap—a shell stuck in the barrel due to a bad casing—solved by firing it out, and culminate in driving the enemy from stone cowsheds and capturing machine guns. A comic-sympathetic portrait of Jussi (“Sven Dufva”) showcases blunders, loyalty, and rough camaraderie. Life at Ora is depicted as crowded and lice-ridden yet resilient, with constant patrols, gramophone interludes, captured diaries, and grim accounts of Red atrocities, as reinforcements trickle in and green recruits struggle even to stay awake on guard.
Recently surfaced classics