author
Valfrid Hedman
1872–1939
A self-taught Finnish linguist and translator, he opened windows onto world literature for readers in Hämeenlinna and beyond. His own writing was especially drawn to Eastern languages, tales, and dreamlike settings.
1 Audiobook
Itämaalaisia haaveiluja
by Valfrid Hedman
About the author
Born in Hämeenlinna on February 12, 1872, Valfrid Hedman was a Finnish teacher and translator known for an exceptional gift for languages. Finnish sources describe him as largely self-educated after leaving school before graduation, yet he went on to study a wide range of European languages along with Eastern languages such as Arabic and Turkish.
He taught languages in local schools and also worked as a translator for the provincial administration from 1918 until 1939. Library and bibliography sources show that he translated a striking variety of books into Finnish, helping bring international fiction and adventure writing to new readers.
Hedman also wrote original work of his own. His collection Itämaalaisia haaveiluja is remembered for its fascination with Eastern cultures and imagery, and a Finnish library source notes that although he was especially captivated by Eastern languages and cultures, he never traveled farther than Sweden. He died in Hämeenlinna on March 25, 1939.