Images of Sweden: Past and Present Perspectives from Austria

Since the Thirty Years' War of the 17th century, when King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden ordered a full-scale invasion of the Holy Roman Empire, Austria and Sweden have had close but not always friendly relations.

This volume examines the shifting image of Sweden in Austria and the events that shaped it through great wars, peace and political upheaval. The central question is how a once belligerent Sweden came to be viewed as a social and political model for Austria?

These essays were first presented at a seminar in Vienna in April 2017 arranged by the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation. This volume is part of the Foundation's ongoing effort to understand the perception of Sweden beyond its borders, as well as to further the dissemination of scholarly knowledge.