The Dedalus Book of Estonian Literature offers a wide-ranging selection of fiction from the end of the nineteenth century until the present day, including work by Estonia s classic and most important contemporary authors. This is the most important selection of Estonian fiction to have appeared in English and will be essential reading for anyone wanting to gain an idea of Estonian Literature and for the many British visitors to Estonia. Estonia is one of the smallest and least populated countries in the European Union. It has a population of about 1.4 million. For most of its history it has been part of its larger neighbours, Sweden and Russia. It regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.It is really in the nineteenth- century that Estonian Literature develops and a prose tradition established. This anthology features work by significant authors in this period such as Eduard Vilde and Juhan Liiv and extends to the modern day with contributions from leading contemporary authors such as Peeter Sauter and Eeva Park. Estonia s most famous and widely-translated author is Jaan Kross, who could become the first Estonian author to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. He is represented in the anthology by Uncle (1990). Contents Upheavals in the Borderlands: Jan Kaus Maiden of the North: August Gailit Flash Photography: Karl August Hindrey Bread: Eduard Vilde On Lake Peipsi: Juhan Liiv Bird Cherry Petals: Friedebert Tuglas Grandfather s Death: Anton Hansen Tammsaare Night of Souls: Karl Ristikivi Eight Japanese Ladies: Arvo Valton Uncle: Jaan Kross An Empty Beach: Mati Unt The Collector: Rein Saluri The Rococo Lady: Maimu Berg Chance Encounter: Eeva Park Stomach Ache: Peeter Sauter Nuuma Aljla: Madis Ktiv Aspendal the Rainmaker: Mehis Heinsaar Afterword
