Sweden History

In contrast to their Danish and Norwegian cousins, Swedish Vikings traveled east rather than west in search of riches, land, and power. The extensive river systems of Russia provided economic and military “superhighways” to the adventurers from the north who journeyed down them all the way to the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of fame and riches. In Captivating History’s History of Sweden, you will learn more about these Swedish adventurers along with other parts of Sweden’s fascinating history.

Unveil the legacy and history of Sweden like never before. Sweden is a remarkable place, famous for its happy population, its fearsome Viking history, and the beautiful fjords and landscapes that mark this far-flung land. But the true story of Sweden goes far deeper than that, imbued with mighty tales of kings and devastating wars, a rapid and life-changing industrialization, and a journey to the peaceful, happy, and wealthy place that it is today.

In contrast to their Danish and Norwegian cousins, Swedish Vikings traveled east rather than west in search of riches, land, and power. The extensive river systems of Russia provided economic and military “super-highways” to the adventurers from the north, who journeyed down them all the way to the Black Sea and Constantinople in search of fame and riches.

Despite certain distinctions and differences, the lands of Scandinavia, or Norden—Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands—are united by bonds of culture, language, and geography, and by a shared history that comes richly to life in this landmark work. Now in an expanded, updated edition, this definitive chronicle of five centuries of Scandinavian history incorporates the geopolitical developments and momentous events that have marked the Nordic world in recent decades.

Nestled in the northernmost corner of Europe lies a land of rugged coastlines, vast forests, and a rich cultural heritage. Step back in time and immerse yourself in the history of Scandinavia, a land of Vikings, legends, and achievements that have influenced the world.

With a rich and fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, vibrant cultures, and friendly people, Scandinavia is a magical place which has become the go-to destination for tourists around the world. From their history of Vikings and vicious wars to the industrial revolution and their place in the modern world, Scandinavia truly has an incredible story to tell.

This audiobook examines the meteoric rise of Sweden as the pre-eminent military power in Europe during the Thirty Years War during the 1600s, and then follows its line of warrior kings into the next century until the Swedes finally meet their demise, in an overreach into the vastness of Russia. A small Scandinavian nation, with at most one and a half million people and scant internal resources of its own, there was small logic to how Sweden could become the dominant power on the Continent.

On the morning of April 9, 1940, German forces occupied Denmark and invaded Norway, leaving Sweden as the only neutral country in Scandinavia. It was to this country, surrounded by Axis forces, that Captain H. M. Denham was posted as Naval Attaché, arriving after evading capture by the Nazi Wehrmacht in the summer. Over the course of the next five years Captain Denham used his position to covertly provide valuable intelligence to the British military. In Inside the Nazi Ring, Denham gives vivid accounts of his meetings with numerous important political and military figures.

Did you know Sweden has this unique law, "Freedom to Roam", that allows you to hike, camp, or ski on any public land, swim in public lakes, and access all beaches--including freely picking as many mushrooms, flowers, and berries as you want? Located in northern Europe, many global travelers have given Sweden the moniker "the crown jewel of Scandinavia" for a good reason!

It's the summer of 1939. Two Jewish sisters from Vienna—12-year-old Stephie Steiner and 8-year-old Nellie—are sent to Sweden to escape the Nazis. They expect to stay there six months, until their parents can flee to Amsterdam; then all four will go to America. But as the world war intensifies, the girls remain, each with her own host family, on a rugged island off the western coast of Sweden.

Stockholmiana! Följ med på en lärorik promenad genom Gamla stan tillsammans med Stockholmskännaren och journalisten Martin Stugart. Genom en blandning av fakta och medryckande anekdoter får Stugart oss upptäcka, känna och nästan smaka på Gamla stans vibrerande historia. Från Stortorgets pulserande atmosfär till de urgamla kullerstensgrändernas tysta berättelser, får vi ta del av händelser som format vårt älskade Stockholm till den glittrande stad den är idag.

Den 9 april 1940 inleds Tysklands invasion och ockupation av Norge. Kort därefter börjar flyktingar passera över gränsen mot grannlandet Sverige. Från början är det norska militärförband och soldater som anländer. De har undermålig utrustning och är dessutom dåligt organiserade. Snart ska dock strömmen komma att inkludera politiker, kungligheter, judar och meningsmotståndare. De sista att ansluta är tyska desertörer och krigsfångar.

Mellan 1940 och 1945 genomled världen några av de värsta åren mänskligheten någonsin har skådat. Medan kriget härjade runtom i Europa lyckades Sverige alltjämt hålla sig utanför det. I denna bok redogör Björn Fontander för hur nära det trots allt var att Sverige gång efter annan drogs in i världskriget. Det berättas bland annat om episoder då Sverige var en hårsmån från att hamna i stridsbehandlingar med Storbritannien och om jakten på den norske kungen.

Stockholmiana! Följ med på en lärorik promenad genom Gamla stan och vidare till stadskärnans norra delar tillsammans med Stockholmskännaren och journalisten Martin Stugart. Varför är texten på Birger jarls staty felstavad? Och vad döljer sig bakom mysteriet med Stockholms minsta monument, Järnpojken? Genom roande anekdoter och spännande kuriosa, flätar Stugart samman trådarna där historia och nutid smälter samman till den stad vi känner och älskar idag.

Stockholmiana! Följ med på en lärorik promenad på Södermalm tillsammans med Stockholmskännaren och journalisten Martin Stugart. Från Mariabergets majestätiska utsikt till Hornstulls livliga gatumiljö, gräver Stugart i Södermalms förflutna och avslöjar fängslande detaljer som långt ifrån alla känner till. Genom levande berättelser och intressanta anekdoter vävs historia och nutid samman till det kulturrika Söder vi känner och älskar idag.

Some hailed him as the "Lion of the North", others called him the "Golden King", and a few knew him by the affectionate nickname "Hook-nose". Today, Swedish, Finland, and Estonian citizens alike continue to celebrate Gustavus Adolphus Day on the sixth of November each year. But who exactly was Gustavus Adolphus the Great? Gustavus Adolphus: The Life and Legacy of Sweden’s Most Famous King explores the early life of the Swedish king, his ascension to power, and his greatest achievements, as well as the revolutionary military tactics he used to shape modern warfare.