Mannerheim President, soldier, spy

by **Rosamunda** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:29 am

Anyone read this yet?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1906598266

It was published on 1st November 2009, haven't seen any reviews up here yet.

**Sponsor:**

by **jazzori** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 10:57 am

Haven't read it as I haven't read many other books, but I remember that a couple of weeks ago we were told in school about the "spy" part.. The teacher was a Ghanian guy and, from what I understood, he says that it wasn't actually so.
That's the little bit I know.

Hm, maybe *you* could read it and *you* could write a review? : )

by **onkko** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:08 am

Mannerheim was in fact a spy in asia while he worked for russia.

by **Karhunkoski** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 12:09 pm

Yup, but we have to distance the term, "spy", from the image portrayed in films and novels. There are thousands of spies, jut leading normal lives, but passing occasional bits of interesting information to their controllers. Dull, boring and mundane with zero cloak and dagger stuff

by **Pursuivant** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:33 pm

Interesting trip he made in any case
http://www.mannerheim.fi/05_s_ura/e_kiina.htm
http://www.mannerheim.fi/05_s_ura/e_aasia.htm

by **Bubba Elvis XIV** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:52 pm

Karhunkoski wrote:Yup, but we have to distance the term, "spy", from the image portrayed in films and novels. There are thousands of spies, jut leading normal lives, but passing occasional bits of interesting information to their controllers. Dull, boring and mundane with zero cloak and dagger stuff

What? Do you mean they don't stop mad scientists taking over the world?

I thought James Bondage was based on a true story!!

(I have to start checking the disclaimers on films....)

by **Karhunkoski** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 1:55 pm

Good links, danke hanke.

by **Rosamunda** » Sat Nov 28, 2009 11:53 pm

I ordered the book. Not sure I will read it straightaway though as I am supposed to be studying for an exam. Maybe I'll give it to SO for Xmas :idea:

If you haven't been to the Mannerheim museum in Helsinki then do... in his home (a fabulous wooden villa) full of his stuff including things sent back from Asia during the expeditions (the tiger skin is incredible - enormous). Huge collection of artefacts, photos, books, medals. There is a short film show of the Asian expedition. The guide we had was amazing. My kids were suitably gobsmacked. A rainy afternoon well spent.

by **Pursuivant** » Sun Nov 29, 2009 12:23 am

There was a museum show in Tennispalatsi about the Asian expedition a few years back. They made a few interesting articles in the catalog http://www.nba.fi/fi/kumu_julkaisut it seems the English is still in print. And theres also his diary available in Finnish.