Swedish Profiles [antikvár]

ONE OF THE SWEDISH INSTITUTE'S tasks is to disseminate knowledge abroad about Sweden. We do this in many I ways: by helping ensure a Swedish presence at fairs, exhibitions and similar events in other countries; by organizing study visits in Sweden for foreign experts; and by supporting translation of Swedish literature and instruction in Swedish language at universities and colleges abroad. Notwithstanding all these programs, our pubUcations - fact sheets, booklets and books of various kinds - are the core of our efforts to provide other countries with knowledge about Sweden. The idea of providing a snapshot of our country by portraying well known, living Swedes is not new. As early as 1954, the Swedish Institute published a book called Sweden in Profiles. With the aid of photographer Lennart Nilsson and a number of professors and other experts who wrote the texts, the book profiled a selection of Swedish individuals representing different walks of life. During the ensuing 45 years, prevailing values and Hving patterns have of course changed significantly. But we believe that the book's basic concept remains valid. People who have distinguished themselves in different fields still play a role as symbols of their country - indeed, in today's media-saturated world, perhaps an even larger role. So we took the initiative for a new publication of this kind. Obviously there are no objective criteria for choosing the individuals to be presented in such a context as this. The foreword of the 1954 publication indicates that the Swedish Institute actually took responsibility for selecting them. But back then, the Institute was a non-profit association, at a comfortable arm's length fi-om the Swedish government. Today we are a public agency. And in that position, it is difficult for us to put out an official ranking of "celebrities." So we were pleased to let photographer Ulla Montan and writer Ludvig Rasmusson - after a stimulating dialogue with us and others - assume responsibility for the final selection and for the photos and texts in the book. I hope that this book, Swedish Profiles, will help provide a snapshot of Sweden as it prepares to enter the 21st century. Erland Ringborg Director General of the Swedish Institute