I suspect that my contribution to this thread will seem quite obscure, as it is. I'm a voracious reader. I usually have several books going at the same time (I only need three hours sleep a night). However, I have to say the ONE book that has had, and continues to have, a profound influence in my life is "The Kalavala," by Ellis Lonrot, first published in 1838. I have several copies, one original in Finnish, and several English translations, the best being the "Peabody" from Indiana University about 1966. The "Kalavala" is the saga of the ancient Finns, their Gods, their stories, adventures and frequant missadventures. These stories were my Father's bedtime tales. I find them fascinating on several levels: Finnish is NOT my native language, though it was my Fathers, and I try to keep improving my language skills; the stories behind the stories help to explain my grandmother to me; and these stories help to to understand how the "old" Finnish/Russian culture evolved from the late 1800's into what I saw in America, beginning in the 30's. If you, as an American, want to explore this, I strongly suggest that you start with the Estonian version. George Goble, an American, published this version titled "The Kalavede", some years ago. I know it's out of print now, but searching will discover it, I'm sure. I suggest "The Kalevede" because it's based on one single story from "The Kalavala" and is much more readable and understable, in English. KITTOS, Bob(deckman)Nelson