We tend to think of Sweden as a homogenous land of blonds munching on meatballs, lutfisk, and herring. Yet, the truth is, Sweden is a remarkably multicultural nation. What is modern Sweden really like---and how did it get that way? Culture and Customs of Sweden is an ideal introduction to this fascinating nation. The book opens with a broad overview of the country and then examines specific themes such as religion, marriage, family, gender issues, education, holidays, popular customs, sports and leisure, media, literature, performing arts, art, and architecture. Throughout, the author seeks to strike a balance between the history of these many aspects of contemporary Sweden and what is happening there today---at a time when Sweden is undergoing many profound changes. For example, the chapter on literature looks at both the development of Swedish literature since the Middle Ages and at current interests, themes, and writers. Each of the themes covered is central to introducing both Sweden's past and its present, facilitating the kind of understanding that is so important in this ever-shrinking world.

Norway is by history and culture very much a Scandinavian nation with its own unique profile. This book analyzes the factors that have shaped the sociocultural fabric of Norwegian politics. One of the most important themes Heidar analyzes is the power of the periphery, both in social as well as geographic terms. In the geographic sense, Norway is a small nation, and although it has been able to remain economically and politically stable, it is situated on the European flank. It is therefore dependent upon and vulnerable to external economic and political developments. In critical periods of its history, Norway’s size has made it an object rather than an initiator of change. In the social sense, Norway has existed as a “periphery nation”.

Just like people, countries change. This applies most emphatically to Sweden. Once warlike and expansive, it has become neutral and if anything contented with its lot. Once terribly poor and backward, it has become uncommonly rich and advanced. Once conservative and dominated by the nobility and men in general, it has become a prolific source of social experiments with particular stress on equality. This has put Sweden in the forefront in many sectors, indeed, so much so that the Swedish “miracle” was widely admired and emulated. Yet, even now that the limitations and failings are more evident, it remains a country from which much can be learned. These changes obviously took decades and sometimes centuries, so they can only be correctly appreciated by observing the longer trends. That is just one reason why this Historical Dictionary of Sweden is so useful. And it is even more useful in its second updated and greatly expanded edition. For, it does take a long view, and it does show us where Sweden is coming from. But it also looks very carefully at the present situation, the problems as well as the achievements. The entries thus cover kings and nobles but also politicians, economists, businessmen, scientists, and cultural figures. Others describe the major institutions, political parties, trade unions, and newspapers or the educational system and literature. The flow of events can be grasped more readily thanks to a handy chronology. Those wanting to learn more about any particular aspect can consult a substantial and well-structured bibliography.