This book examines the outstanding design achievements of Finland over the last seven decades, focusing on the central and decisive role played by Modernism. It is the first volume in English to provide a thorough account of the artistic and cultural qualities of Finnish design as distinguished from the design of its Nordic and other European neighbors. Also considered are the principal ideas, individuals, and influences that combined to produce Finnish modernism, as well as its international reception.

The book discusses the renowned work of such Finnish architects and designers as Alvar Aalto, Tapio Wirkkala, Kaj Franck, and Timo Sarpaneva, and of manufacturers including Artek, Arabia, and Marimekko. It features separate discussions of Finnish modernism in design architecture, ceramics, glass, furniture, metal work, jewelry, product design, textiles, and woodworking and concludes with a consideration of the position of design in contemporary Finnish culture.

Marianne Aav is curator of The Museum of Art and Design, Helsinki (formerly the Museum of Applied Arts). Nina Stritzler-Levine is director of exhibitions at the Bard Graduate Center for Studies in the Decorative Arts.