"Journeys from Scandinavia brings into focus less-known texts by famous Scandinavian authors and illuminates more famous texts through new lenses while reflecting on the genre of the travelogue. Elisabeth Oxfeldt's analysis contributes to our understanding of Scandinavian attitudes toward the foreign countries and peoples depicted in the travelogues."---Monika Zagar, University of Minnesota --

An essential exploration of Nordic composers and musicians, and the distinctive culture that continues to shape them Once considered a musical backwater, the Nordic region is now a musical powerhouse. Conductors from Denmark and Finland dominate the British and American orchestral scene. Interest in the old masters Sibelius and Grieg is soaring and progressive pop artists like Björk continue to fascinate as much as they entertain. Andrew Mellor journeys to the heart of the Nordic cultural psyche. From Reykjavik to Rovaniemi, he examines the success of Nordic music’s performers, the attitude of its audiences, and the sound of its composers past and present—celebrating some of the most remarkable music ever written along the way. Mellor peers into the dark side of the Scandinavian utopia, from xenophobia and alcoholism to parochialism and the twilight of the social democratic dream. Drawing on a range of genres and firsthand encounters, he reveals that our fascination with Nordic societies and our love for Nordic music might be more intertwined than first thought.

The Christian Science Monitor's #1 Best Book of the Year A witty, informative, and popular travelogue about the Scandinavian countries and how they may not be as happy or as perfect as we assume, “The Almost Nearly Perfect People offers up the ideal mixture of intriguing and revealing facts” (Laura Miller, Salon). Journalist Michael Booth has lived among the Scandinavians for more than ten years, and he has grown increasingly frustrated with the rose-tinted view of this part of the world offered up by the Western media. In this timely book he leaves his adopted home of Denmark and embarks on a journey through all five of the Nordic countries to discover who these curious tribes are, the secrets of their success, and, most intriguing of all, what they think of one another. Why are the Danes so happy, despite having the highest taxes? Do the Finns really have the best education system? Are the Icelanders as feral as they sometimes appear? How are the Norwegians spending their fantastic oil wealth? And why do all of them hate the Swedes? In The Almost Nearly Perfect People Michael Booth explains who the Scandinavians are, how they differ and why, and what their quirks and foibles are, and he explores why these societies have become so successful and models for the world. Along the way a more nuanced, often darker picture emerges of a region plagued by taboos, characterized by suffocating parochialism, and populated by extremists of various shades. They may very well be almost nearly perfect, but it isn’t easy being Scandinavian.

“An engaging, layered look into a culture complex enough both to produce stylish rain gear and to embrace the foul weather that necessitates it.” —The New York Times Book Review We fill our homes with Nordic furniture; we envy their humane social welfare system and healthy outdoor lifestyle; we devour their crime fiction. Even their strangely attractive melancholia seems to express a stoic, commonsensical acceptance of life’s vicissitudes. But how valid is this outsider’s view of Scandinavia, and how accurate is our picture of life in Scandinavia today? Scandinavians follows a chronological progression across the Northern centuries: the Vendel era of Swedish prehistory; the age of the Vikings; the Christian conversions of Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Iceland; the unified Scandinavian state of the late Middle Ages; the sea-change of the Reformation; the kingdom of Denmark-Norway; King Gustav Adolphus and the age of Sweden’s greatness; the cultural golden age of Ibsen, Strindberg, and Munch; the impact of the Second World War; Scandinavia’s postwar social democratic nirvana; and the terror attack of Anders Behring Breivik. Scandinavians is also a personal investigation, with award-winning author Robert Ferguson as the ideal companion as he explores not only the region’s society, politics, culture, and temperament, but also wide-ranging topics such as the power and mystique of Scandinavian women, from the Valkyries to the Vikings; from Nora and Hedda to Garbo and Bergman. “A delightful history in which the author truly captures ‘the soul of the North.’ ”—Kirkus Reviews

Detailed and timely information on accommodations, restaurants, and local attractions highlight these updated travel guides, which feature all-new covers, a two-color interior design, symbols to indicate budget options, must-see ratings, multi-day itineraries, Smart Travel Tips, helpful bulleted maps, tips on transportation, guidelines for shopping excursions, and other valuable features. Original.

Change the world one trip at a time. In this illuminating collection of stories and lessons from the road, acclaimed travel writer Rick Steves shares a powerful message that resonates now more than ever. With the world facing divisive and often frightening events, from Trump, Brexit, and Erdogan, to climate change, nativism, and populism, there's never been a more important time to travel. Rick believes the risks of travel are widely exaggerated, and that fear is for people who don't get out much. After years of living out of a suitcase, he still marvels at how different cultures find different truths to be self-evident. By sharing his experiences from Europe, Central America, Asia, and the Middle East, Rick shows how we can learn more about own country by viewing it from afar. With gripping stories from Rick's decades of exploration, this fully revised edition of Travel as a Political Act is an antidote to the current climate of xenophobia. When we travel thoughtfully, we bring back the most beautiful souvenir of all: a broader perspective on the world that we all call home. All royalties from the sale of Travel as a Political Act are donated to support the work of Bread for the World, a non-partisan organization working to end hunger at home and abroad.

This beautiful wall map of Scandinavia and surrounding countries conforms to National Geographic's demanding cartographic standards. Unparalleled detail shows political boundaries, major cities and towns, fjords and other bodies of water, major highways and roads, airports, and much more. Map is printed on premium quality paper stock, rolled, and packaged in a clear, hard plastic tube."Map Scale = 1:2,765,000Sheet Size = 23.5" x 30.25""

Moon Travel Guides: Your World Your Way Experience magnificent fjords, historical cities, and magical northern lights with Moon Norway. Inside you'll find: Flexible, strategic itineraries for every timeline and budget, from a week of the highlights to a three-week adventure through the whole country Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Curated advice for outdoor adventurers, history buffs, culture mavens, road-trippers, and more Must-see attractions and off-beat ideas for making the most of your trip: Find the best photo ops to capture Geirangerfjord's slender waterfalls, or hike to soaring cliffs overlooking glistening glacial lakes. Hop in the car and drive over islets and skerries on the Atlantic Road, or take a scenic train ride overlooking mountains, valleys, and fjords. Explore historic mountain towns, or wander small fishing villages along Norway's dramatic coastline. Admire world-class architecture and art in Oslo's cosmopolitan hub, or see the impressive restored vessels at the Viking Ship Museum. Sample fresh seafood and farm-to-table delicacies, mingle with the locals at neighborhood pubs, and find the best places to see the mystical aurora borealis dance across the sky Expert advice on when to go, what to pack, and where to stay, from Norwegian transplant-turned-local David Nikel Handy tools including a glossary and a Norwegian phrasebook Detailed background information on the landscape, climate, wildlife, and culture Travel tips for international visitors, getting around with children or as a senior, and suggestions for LGBTQ+ travel With Moon Norway's expert tips, myriad activities, and local insight, you can plan your trip your way. Country-hopping through Europe? Try Moon Iceland, Moon Ireland, or Moon Rome, Florence & Venice.