by Eirik Hornborg
Translated by Erik Faithfull. Softcover (7.1×9.8 inches). 276 pages. 2026 translation of 1955 book.
Subtitle: The Finnish War of 1808-1809
Although 71 years old, this book offers an “annotated” version of the original text with added period illustrations, troop dispositions on the marvelous maps, and streamlined English terminology. Note that the Swedish language bibliographical references have been omitted.
A color version of the campaign map/gazetteer (p. xvii) — based on the Finnish General Staff History account of the war — is available for download at Helion’s web site: https://www.helion.co.uk/docs/docs/overview-map-gazetteer-1089.jpg
Kudos for that! And more kudos for splitting the map up and inserting the appropriate sections within the text. Author and Helion editors deserve praise for this mix.
As for that readable translation of the war, the Russians wanted Swedish-owned Finland, the French wanted Sweden (a British Ally) to adopt the French Continental System to prevent trade with Britain, and at least some Finns agitated to be part of Russia. Russia invaded in 1808 and again in 1809 — but this is not the 1812-style campaign with a cast of hundreds of thousands. This is a smaller scale invasion with only tens of thousands, including the naval forces involved. The larger tactical battles involved around 5,000 per side.
Better yet, these tactical battles have a nice map with terrain, troop deployments/movements, and scale. The text mentions the numbers. It’s as if Hornborg was a wargamer.
If only you knew what Finnish uniforms looked like… Oh my. In the color center section, two pages containing 25 color uniform illustrations provide a Finnish army reference guide. The kudos continue to pile up.
The book contains 43 black and white illustrations, 14 black and white photos, 23 black and white maps, 25 color Finnish Army uniform illustrations, 13 color commander illustrations, and 13 color photos.
The descriptions of the tactical battles and skirmishes showcase an ebb and flow to attacks and counter-attacks, often with an outcome based more on morale than numbers. And this was true on both sides. Naval landings and battles are covered as well. Well done!
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
