Release date is 2024-06-15

Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen

"Vaiherikkailta vuosilta 1: Toiminta yliopistossa ja senaatissa routavuosina" by Edvard Hjelt is a historical account documenting the political and academic climate in Finland during the tumultuous years from 1899 to 1917. The book focuses on the experiences of the author, who served as the rector of the University of Helsinki, as well as his interactions with influential political figures and events that shaped Finnish society during that period. It provides insights into the challenges faced by the university and its administration, particularly in relation to Russian oppression and the quest for Finnish autonomy. The opening of the memoir introduces Hjelt's role in the University of Helsinki and the political landscape of the time, establishing a backdrop of conflict between Finnish national interests and Russian imperial authority. It recounts significant events, such as the political maneuvering surrounding the appointment of a chancellor and the resonating tensions at the university, particularly regarding professors' political expressions. As Hjelt reflects on his experiences, he provides personal anecdotes and detailed accounts of key figures, setting the stage for a narrative rich in historical detail and personal insight into the struggles faced during the so-called "routavuodet," or "years of oppression." (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Helsinki: Otava, 1920