A comprehensive history of Sweden is much needed. Neil Kents book sweeps through Swedens history from the Stone Age to the present day. Early coverage includes ... » 

A comprehensive history of Sweden is much needed. Neil Kents book sweeps through Swedens history from the Stone Age to the present day. Early coverage includes Viking hegemony the Scandinavian Union the Reformation and Swedens political zenith as Europes greatest superpower in the seventeenth century while later chapters explore the Swedish Enlightenment royal absolutism the commitment to military neutrality and PanScandinavianism. The author brings his account up to date by focusing on recent developments the rise of Social Democracy the establishment of the welfare state the countrys acceptance of membership in the European Union and its progressive ecological programme. The book successfully combines the politics economics and social and cultural mores of one of the worlds most successfully functioning and humane societies. This is an informative and entertaining account for students and general readers. «