If you are looking to explore Sweden’s rich history, from its Viking past to its role in modern global politics, you’ve come to the right place. Sweden’s fascinating past spans centuries, and the following list of books offers a deep dive into various eras and aspects of Swedish history. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about this Scandinavian nation, these top 10 Sweden history books will give you insights and inspiration.
Written by Ingrid Svensson
Ingrid Svensson is a Swedish history enthusiast with a passion for uncovering the stories of Sweden’s royal families, political evolution, and cultural transformations. With years of experience in research, she brings the richness of Sweden’s past to readers.
10. The Middle Kingdoms: A New History of Central Europe
Martyn Rady
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 149 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book covers not only Sweden but the broader historical landscape of Central Europe, offering context about Sweden’s interactions with its neighbors. It’s perfect for understanding Sweden’s role in shaping the balance of power in Europe.
Fun Fact: Sweden’s military prowess during the Thirty Years’ War earned it the title of a major European power, a status that remained for centuries.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get The Middle Kingdoms here
9. The Norse Mythology Bible: [7 in 1]: The Most Epic Guide to Norse Mythology
Rørik Sørensen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 48 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book is an excellent resource for exploring the mythological side of Sweden’s history. With detailed insights into Viking mythology and culture, it’s a must-read for anyone interested in Sweden’s Viking heritage.
Fun Fact: The Viking longships, a crucial part of Swedish history, were renowned for their innovative design, allowing the Vikings to travel across seas and rivers.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get The Norse Mythology Bible here
8. Husförhörslängder: Swedish Household Examination Records
Robert W. Johnson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.5 out of 5 stars) – 11 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book is essential for anyone researching Swedish ancestry. It provides a detailed guide on how to navigate the Swedish Household Examination Records, which are a valuable source of historical data.
Fun Fact: The Swedish Church conducted household exams annually for over 200 years, providing a rich source of information on Swedish citizens.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get Husförhörslängder here
7. Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings
Neil Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6 out of 5 stars) – 1,817 ratings
Why We Chose It: This definitive history of the Vikings, focusing on Sweden’s Viking legacy, takes readers through the life, culture, and exploration of these iconic warriors.
Fun Fact: Swedish Vikings, known as the Rus, were influential in the founding of what would later become Russia.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get Children of Ash and Elm here
6. Hitler’s Swedes: A History of the Swedish Volunteers in the Waffen-SS
Lars T. Larsson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.3 out of 5 stars) – 27 ratings
Why We Chose It: This gripping account of Swedish volunteers who joined the Nazi Waffen-SS offers a seldom-told perspective on Sweden’s involvement in World War II. It’s a fascinating look at how neutrality didn’t mean non-involvement.
Fun Fact: Despite Sweden’s official neutrality in WWII, hundreds of Swedes volunteered to fight for the Nazis.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get Hitler’s Swedes here
5. The Old Norse Spell Book: A Deeper Dive Into Runes, Spells, and Magic
Alda Dagny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 116 ratings
Why We Chose It: This book dives deep into the magical traditions of Sweden’s Viking past, making it an excellent read for those interested in the mystical side of Swedish history.
Fun Fact: Runes were used not only for writing but also for magical purposes by the Norse people, and many rune stones can still be found in Sweden today.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get The Old Norse Spell Book here
4. The Old Norse Spell Book: Your Guide to the Elder Futhark, Norse Folklore, Runes, Paganism, Divination, and Magic
Alda Dagny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 474 ratings
Why We Chose It: This is a great introductory book for anyone new to Sweden’s Norse heritage. It covers everything from runes to Norse mythology in a digestible format.
Fun Fact: The Elder Futhark is the oldest form of the runic alphabet, used by the Norse people, and it is still studied today for its historical and mystical significance.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get The Old Norse Spell Book here
3. DK Sweden (Travel Guide)
DK Travel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 15 ratings
Why We Chose It: For travelers interested in Sweden’s history, this travel guide from DK offers a well-rounded overview of historical sites and cultural touchstones across the country.
Fun Fact: Sweden is home to over 15,000 ancient rune stones, many of which can be visited today, making it a must-see destination for history lovers.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get DK Sweden here
2. The Old Norse Spell Book: Your Guide to the Elder Futhark, Norse Folklore, Runes, Paganism, Divination, and Magic
Alda Dagny
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.4 out of 5 stars) – 474 ratings
Why We Chose It: This comprehensive guide on Norse spells and runes is ideal for those looking to explore Sweden’s spiritual history.
Fun Fact: Swedish runic inscriptions are some of the most well-preserved in Scandinavia, offering a window into the Viking way of life.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get The Old Norse Spell Book here
1. Children of Ash and Elm
Neil Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.6 out of 5 stars) – 1,817 ratings
Why We Chose It: This comprehensive account of Viking history from Neil Price takes readers on a journey through Sweden’s past, making it the ultimate read for those interested in Viking lore and Sweden’s broader historical context.
Fun Fact: Sweden was one of the most significant Viking nations, and its Vikings played a major role in shaping the history of Northern Europe.
Category: Sweden History
Buy it now: Get Children of Ash and Elm here
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