Eliel Aspelin-Haapkylä
Lauri Stenbäck
"Lauri Stenbäck" by Eliel Aspelin-Haapkylä is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and contributions of Lauri Stenbäck, a notable Finnish poet and an advocate of Pietism, an influential religious movement in Finland. Stenbäck’s journey from a young boy in Kuortane to his development as a significant cultural figure, as well as his struggle with personal and societal challenges, forms the crux of the narrative. The opening of the book delves into the early years of Lauri Stenbäck's life, detailing his ancestry and family background, which shaped his identity and artistic inclinations. It vividly recounts his childhood experiences, including the influence of his parents and his early education, highlighting both the trials he faced, such as a serious childhood accident that affected his health, and the blossoming of his poetic talents. Central to the beginning is Stenbäck’s deep emotional ties to his family, particularly his mother, and the profound impact of his upbringing in a religious household on his future endeavors as a poet and thinker.