Funny Letters from Topelius’ Helsinki

The most prolific and versatile writer in Finland in the 19th century was Zachris Topelius – an author, storyteller, poet, and even a professor of history. From 1842 to 1860, he edited the newspaper Helsingfors Tidningar and renewed its content. Among his most popular innovations were letters addressed to the fictional Lieutenant Leopold. In them, Topelius wittily and vividly commented on current events and phenomena in Helsinki. These entertaining Helsinki letters of the bygone era will be read in Finnish in spring in the Burgher’s House. Free admission!

Photo: Svenska litteratursällskapet