Jan Sjåvik's survey of the literary culture of the Nordic region will provide anyone wanting introductory information readily accessible accounts of its richness and variety. The succinct descriptions of the area's most important writers affords a convenient point of departure for understanding notable aspects of their background and relationships to one another.

Professor Steven Sondrup, Brigham Young University

...a much-needed and most up-to-date introduction to Scandinavian literature and an excellent place to start reading whether for further study or for pleasure.

American Reference Books Annual

Jan Sjåvik's Historical Dictionary of Scandinavian Literature and Theater is a concise, well-organized, useful guide for scholars and students, writers, and readers...

Scandinavian Studies

Spanning everything from ancient Norse sagas to contemporary novels, this resource for students, researchers, and general readers introduces the national literatures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The main part of the volume consists of several hundred alphabetically arranged entries on important authors, genres, and concepts. Sjavik also provides a chronology, a detailed bibliography, and a general introduction.

Reference and Research Book News

The most comprehensive and up to date work of its kind related to Scandinavian literature and theater available anywhere.

Aurora Boreal

It is eminently suitable, and highly recommended, for public, academic and college libraries.

Reference Reviews