SUOMI KUVINA - DAS IST SUOMI. - Lot 287

SUOMI KUVINA - DAS IST SUOMI. Finland in Pictures and Words. Porvoo - Helsinki, Werner Söderström Osakeyhtiö (WSOY), [circa 1941–1943]. Large quarto, illustrated hardcover by the publisher. A beautiful propaganda and prestige album dedicated to Finland during the years of World War II. Published in Finnish and German, the book presents the country’s landscapes, cities, folk traditions, economy, natural resources, institutions, and armed forces through a wealth of high-quality photographic illustrations. Numerous panoramic views, fold-out maps, reproductions of monuments, and scenes of daily life come together to form a true national portrait intended to introduce Finland to a German-speaking readership. The photographic content, created by several of the finest Finnish photographers of the time, reflects both the aesthetic of Nordic photo books and the political and diplomatic stakes of the conflict. Condition: a worn copy; the cardboard binding is worn with scuffs and chips; the spine is fragile; the fold-out map has a repairable tear; the interior is clean despite a few scattered foxing spots. Sold as is.