author
Juhana Fredrik Cajan
1815–1887
Best remembered for writing the first history of Finland in Finnish, this 19th-century clergyman and historian helped make national history accessible to ordinary readers. His work sits at the meeting point of scholarship, faith, and the growth of Finnish-language literature.
1 Audiobook
Suomen historia : Koetteeksi kerrottu lyhykäisessä järjestyksessä
by Juhana Fredrik Cajan
About the author
Born in Sotkamo on September 13, 1815, Juhana "Johan" Fredrik Cajan was a Finnish clergyman, historian, and writer. He is chiefly known as the author of Suomen historia, widely noted as the first history of Finland written in Finnish.
Cajan worked as a Lutheran priest as well as a man of letters, and his career reflects both callings. Writing at a time when Finnish-language literature was still developing, he helped bring historical writing to readers in their own language rather than leaving it only to Swedish- or Latin-reading audiences.
He died in Piippola in 1887. Though not widely known today outside specialist circles, his place in Finnish literary and cultural history remains secure because he helped open the door for serious nonfiction in Finnish.