Elias Lönnrot Books

The Kalevala is the great Finnish epic, which like the Iliad and the Odyssey, grew out of a rich oral tradition with prehistoric roots.During the first millenium of our era, speakers of Uralic languages (those outside the Indo-European group) who had settled in the Baltic region of Karelia, that straddles the border of eastern Finland and north-west Russia, developed an oral poetry that was to last into the nineteenth century.This poetry provided the basis of the Kalevala. It was assembled in the 1840s by the Finnish scholar Elias L"onnrot, who took `dictation' from the performance of a folk singer, in much the same way as our great collections from the past, from Homeric poems to medieval songs and epics, have probably been set down.Published in 1849, it played a central role in the march towards Finnish independence and inspired some of Sibelius's greatest works. This new and exciting translation by poet Keith Bosley, prize-winning translator of the anthology Finnish Folk Poetry: Epic, is the first truly to combine liveliness with accuracy in a way which reflects the richness of the original.

The Kalevala, a Finnish epic on the scale of the Iliad and the Odyssey, presents a rare portrait of an ancient people in both peace and at war. It played a central role in the march towards Finnish independence and inspired some of Sibelius's greatest works. This new translation, by a poet and prize-winning translator of Finnish poetry, is a powerful and faithful reflection of a classic of European literature.

The book is recognized for its significant impact on human history, prompting efforts to preserve it for future generations. By republishing it in a modern format, the work aims to remain accessible and relevant, ensuring that its valuable insights and contributions continue to be appreciated.

This publication focuses on reproducing historical works in large print, catering specifically to individuals with impaired vision. By prioritizing accessibility, it aims to enhance the reading experience for those who might struggle with standard text sizes, showcasing the commitment of the Megali publishing house to inclusivity and the preservation of historical literature.

The book has played a significant role in human history, leading to efforts for its preservation and republishing in a modern format. This initiative aims to ensure that its valuable insights and contributions remain accessible to both current and future generations, highlighting its enduring relevance.

Culturally significant, this work has been reproduced from an original artifact, preserving its authenticity. It includes original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its historical importance and the care taken in its reproduction. This dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original text highlights its value in the knowledge base of civilization.

The publishing house Megali focuses on making historical works accessible by producing them in large print, catering specifically to individuals with impaired vision. This initiative aims to enhance the reading experience for those who may struggle with standard text sizes, ensuring that important historical literature remains available to a wider audience.

The book presents a faithful reproduction of the original work, preserving its content and style. This edition allows readers to experience the text as it was initially intended, offering insights into its historical and cultural context. The focus on authenticity ensures that the nuances and details of the original are maintained, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the subject matter.