Mannerheim: President, Soldier, Spy (Haus Publishing) by Jonathan Clements is an excellent 2012 biography of one of the most important Nordic figures of the 20th century and the godfather of independent Finland. Decorated by both sides in both World Wars, Gustaf Mannerheim was a Swedish-speaking Finn who became a senior officer in the Russian cavalry for two decades. He explored Manchuria and China as a spy after the Russo-Japanese War before narrowly escaping the Bolsheviks and escaping back to Finland. He then led this new country along the tightrope of fighting Russia with the assistance of Nazi Germany while distancing themselves before the war ended; the enemy of my enemy is my friend, writ large. However, it was Mannerheim’s role in leading Finland’s remarkable, against massive odds, defiance in the Winter War with Russia that he is revered for in Finland, and with very good reason. ( )