Books

Every month of this Sverigealmanackan (Swedish Calendar) presents a colorful provincial countryside, village, or farm scene by Swedish artist Erkers Marie Persson. Typical folk costumes and interesting information about the province and the scene depicted also are included. Swedish Name Days are listed. The text is in Swedish, English and German. The days of the week arranged European-style, with the week beginning on Monday and ending with Sunday.

This smaller version of the immensely popular Swedish calendar (#6440) or Sverigealmanackan, features pictures of 12 different Swedish scenes by Erkers Marie Persson. Typical folk costumes and interesting information about the province and the scene depicted also are included. Swedish Name Days are listed. The text is in Swedish, English and German. The days of the week are arranged European-style, with the week beginning on Monday and ending with Sunday.

Born into poverty, Carl Larsson (Swedish, 1853–1919) earned a scholarship to study art and succeeded in supporting himself as an illustrator of books and periodicals. He lived in Paris for several years before moving in 1882 to the Scandinavian artists’ colony of Grèz-sur-Loing. There he met artist Karin Bergöö, who encouraged Larsson’s transition from large-scale allegorical oil painting to light-infused watercolor—the medium for which he would become best known. Under her influence, Larsson began to produce the light, bright paintings, modest in scale and subject, that set him apart as one of Sweden’s most beloved artists. The two married and moved into a cozy cottage called Lilla Hyttnäs in rural Sundborn, Sweden, where they started a family, producing eight children. In Sundborn, Larsson found his artistic voice, documenting his home, family, friends and neighbors in charming detail, as these images attest.

Size: 12"x13"; opens to 12"x26".

Arctic Circle, Lingonberries, Sauna — this exciting new children’s picturebook is a colorful A-to-Z tour of all the Nordic countries. Page by page and letter by letter another generation will be introduced to Scandinavian history, culture and traditions. By Kathy-jo Wargin; Renee Graef, illustrator. 

Peek inside the busy Svensson house in Sweden, where Sofie, Louise and Carl are getting ready for Lucia Day, December 13. Follow their adventures through the day and learn how to create your own Lucia Day celebration. Written by Ewa Rydaker. Illustrations by Carina Stahlberg. 36 pages. Paperback. Recipes, songs and patterns for Lucia gown and Starboy outfits included.

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the third book in the series of three. Of interest to kids age 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren.

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the second book in the series of three. Of interest to kids ages 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. 

Pippi, the girl with the upside-down braids and no parents to tell her what to do, delights children around the world. This is the first book in the series (of three), and introduces us to Pippi and her crazy household, and Tommy and Annika, the kids next door. Of interest to kids ages 4 and older, and for young readers ages 8 to 12. By beloved Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. 

A new centenary gift edition of the much-loved collection of folk and fairy tales from Sweden, illustrated by acclaimed artist John Bauer.

From good natured Scandinavian trolls through giants, tomtes, shepherd boys and princesses, the twenty-three classic stories by well-known authors such as Elsa Beskow and Anna Wahlenberg are delightfully told, full of adventure and magic with clever, resourceful children outwitting fairytale villains.

John Bauer's art – renowned for its detail, character and subtle humor – has never looked more luminous and evocative than in this gorgeously produced edition. Twenty extra pictures have been added along with a wonderful illustrated biography of Bauer, celebrating his work and life one hundred years after his premature death. The book has a foiled cover and ribbon marker, perfect for gifting.

This treasury will be cherished for generations to come.

256 pages. Hardcover.

You can dance, you can jive as you celebrate the iconic pop band ABBA with this collectible and beautifully illustrated Little Golden Book! Their memorable melodies and lyrics still make people want to get up and dance!

Find out all about the Swedish band ABBA—from winning the Eurovision Song Contest, to their rise to global stardom with unforgettable songs like "Dancing Queen" and "Mamma Mia," and their lasting influence on pop music.

24 pages. Hardcover.

This is a classic picture book and story of the Tomten, a little elf who walks around a lonely, old farmstead on a winter night. In English. Originally written in Swedish by Astrid Lindgren, based on a poem by Viktor Rydberg. Paperback. 28 pages.

Known as “Sju sorters kakor” in Sweden, this popular cookbook is a modern classic. It features cookies, sweet breads, butter cakes, tortes and other delights of the Swedish dessert table. The first edition came out in 1945, right after the war with its years of rationing, when home cooks were exicted about baking again. Over the years it has been continuously modernized and improved so that today’s edition, with almost 300 recipes, is a combination of new, modern cakes, cookies and pastries, as well as classic favorites. Prize-winning recipes from earlier editions are noted. Ingredients are common and easy to find, and if not, substitutions are suggested. For those with dietary concerns, there's an index directing you to 33 gluten-free, 8 sugar-free, and 54 egg-free recipes. Over 3.4 million copies of this exciting cookbook have sold in Sweden over the years. Every easy-to-follow recipe is accompanied by a color picture of the finished treat. 

Over 100 recipes divided into mouthwatering categories. You'll find everything from thumbprint cookies, sandwich cookies, holiday twists perfect for a cookie swap, chocolate decadence and everything in between. With tried-and-tested recipes and beautiful photography as your guide, explore the glorious world of holiday baking from your home kitchen.

256 pages. Hardcover.

The definitive history of the Vikings -- from arts and culture to politics and cosmology -- by a distinguished archaeologist with decades of expertise.
 
The Viking Age -- from 750 to 1050 -- saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. This is a deeply researched history that completely reimagines the way the Vikings lived and their impact on the world. From Eirík Bloodaxe, who fought his way to a kingdom, to Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman in the world, Children of Ash and Elm is the definitive history of the Vikings and their time. Neil Price does a tremendous job of capturing the richness and sophistication of Viking culture.

Neil Price is distinguished professor and chair of archaeology at Uppsala University, Sweden. He has been researching, teaching, and writing on the Vikings for nearly thirty-five years and is the author of several books on the history of the Viking Age. He lives in Sweden. He served as an historical consultant and lead presenter for the History Channel's series, Real Vikings, and consultant for The Vikings Begin exhibit at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.

640 pages.  Paperback.

374 pages. The Blackwell Pages. By K. L. Armstrong and Melisa Marr

Five hundred years before Columbus, a Viking woman named Gudrid sailed off the edge of the known world. This book traces her footsteps and sheds light on an extraordinary woman and the society in which she lived. This best-selling non-fiction account reads like a novel!

A vivid retelling of Norse mythology that explores these legendary stories and their significance and influence on the Viking world.

Valhalla and its pantheon of gods and heroes have always fascinated readers, whether it is how these tales illuminate the Viking world or influence cultural touchstones like J.R.R. Tolkien, whose Middle Earth is heavily indebted to Germanic and Norse mythology, as well as Hollywood and comic-culture.

In Tales of Valhalla, the Whittocks have dramatically retold these rich stories and set them in context within the wider Viking world. Including both myths — stories, usually religious, which explain origins, why things are as they are, the nature of the spiritual — and legends — stories which attempt to explain historical events and which may involve historical characters but are told in a non-historical way and that often include supernatural events. Tales from Valhalla is an accessible and lively volume that brings these hallmarks of world literature to a new generation.

288 pages. Paperback.

Per, the youngest son, didn't inherit as much as his older brothers — only a handsomely carved and painted wooden horse. But he knew that one day the horse would prove useful. Stunning colored-pencil illustrations by Yvonne Gilbert and spirited text by Rebecca Hickox. Paperback. 30 pages.

Da vait is over!

Everyone can use a good laugh once in a while and this collection of Ole & Lena jokes are just the ticket! Quaint and well-meaning, Ole & Lena jokes celebrate the quirky folk humor of the Scandinavian immigrant community. You’ll laugh ’til your socks fall down!

Paperback (5" x 7"). 48 pages, b&w illustrations. By Mike & Else Sevig.

The Dala Horse: History Tradition Handicraft

Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and…no qualms about a little murder. This funny, irreverent story collection by Helene Tursten, author of the Irene Huss investigations, features two-never-before translated stories that will keep you laughing all the way to the retirement home.

Ever since her darling father’s untimely death when she was only eighteen, Maud has lived in the family’s spacious apartment in downtown Gothenburg rent-free, thanks to a minor clause in a hastily negotiated contract. That was how Maud learned that good things can come from tragedy. Now in her late eighties, Maud contents herself with traveling the world and surfing the net from the comfort of her father’s ancient armchair. It’s a solitary existence, and she likes it that way.

Over the course of her adventures—or misadventures—this little bold lady will handle a crisis with a local celebrity who has her eyes on Maud’s apartment, foil the engagement of her long-ago lover, and dispose of some pesky neighbors. But when the local authorities are called to investigate a dead body found in Maud’s apartment, will Maud finally become a suspect?

This cozy Nordic tale filled with extraordinary photographs will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor. Anja wanted to be one of Santa's elves, so she leaves a note for her family and helps her elderly neighbor prepare for the holiday, then she straps on her skis and heads out into the snowy landscape. A generous trim-size, matte cover, and foiled title make this a special book for the holiday season. Hardcover. 46 pages. By Lori Evert and photographs by Per Breiehagen.

Let Brontë Aurell of The ScandiKitchen Café show you how to celebrate your Christmas Scandi-style by sharing her delicious recipes and family traditions with you.

Anyone who has ever been in Scandinavian in December will know that Scandinavians really love Christmas. From huddling up in candlelit snowed-in cottages to consuming glögg at every opportunity, Christmas is peak-hygge season all over Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Everything reverts back to tradition once Advent Sunday has come along.

From saffron scented bakes to “gingerbread spice in everything!”, Christmas is the time to break the never-ending darkness with edible treats and joyful feelings. Scandinavians visit friends and families taking along something home baked to share. They have Jul-Smörgåsbord parties where old and young celebrate with a spread of traditional dishes and delicacies. Everything they do for Jul is centered around food, tradition, and home comforts.

Join Brontë and feel the warmth, even when it’s cold outside!

Brontë Aurell is a Danish cook, author, entrepreneur, and restaurateur. She runs two ScandiKitchen Cafés in Central London and is owner of ScandiKitchen food imports (supplying food businesses across the UK). Brontë has been published widely in national magazines and newspapers, including The Guardian, The Times, and Olive. Brontë and her food have also featured on BBC Radio, Channel 4, and Danish TV.

160 pages.  Hardcover.

From one of the world's most renowned authors on spirituality comes an accessible introduction to runes. Nordic runes are the most popular and easiest symbols to work with and can effectively release energy for a positive purpose in one's life. Cassandra Eason explains to spiritual seekers exactly what runes are, how to make their own, which ones are right for them, and much more.

Dad's made a delicious-looking pancake and everyone wants some -- but the pancake has other ideas!