From the Publisher
"Marshal Mannerheim was an intriguing character, a titan of Finnish history, but a person I did not understand well. This book is a compelling biography, and a much-needed one as Finland joins NATO." — Dan Kaszeta, author of Toxic and The Forest Brotherhood
"Impeccably researched and elegantly written, this biography of Marshal Mannerheim tells the story of one of the most remarkable lives and careers of any twentieth-century leader: a life around which so much appeared to turn. Highly recommended." — Roger Moorhouse, historian, researcher and author of The First to Fight: The Polish War 1939 and The Devils' Allliance: Hitler's Pact with Stalin"A powerful biography of an oft misunderstood man who stood at the heart of Finland's history as one of its most important and complex leaders of the twentieth century. Meinander's epic biography deserves high praise." — Helen Fry, author of Churchill's German Army and The Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of WWII"Henrik Meinander's eminently readable biography of Gustaf Mannerheim is a very well-rounded take on the life of this major figure of Finnish and European history. More still, it tells the epic story of Finland at a time of great upheavals." — Mart Kuldkepp, Associate Professor of Scandinavian History and Politics, University College London"A rich and balanced insight into the eventful life of Marshal Mannerheim. Meinander has brilliantly managed to construct a rigorously critical but empathetic portrait of his research subject." — Tiina Lintunen, Head of the Department of Contemporary History, University of Turku"Henrik Meinander's book is essential reading for anyone interested in Marshal Mannerheim's extraordinary biography, as well as those who want to understand the history and the present of geopolitics in the Baltic and Nordic countries." — Tuomas Tepora, Senior Research Fellow, Tampere University