The Opposite of Cold: The Northwoods Finnish Sauna Tradition
Product ID: 8842159
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As many in the north country can attest, one of life's great pleasures resides in the tradition of sauna-sitting in 180-plus-degree heat and throwing cool water on oven-hot stones to create a blast of steam (called löyly ), followed by a jump in the lake, standing naked in subzero temperatures (or even a roll in the snow), or just relaxing on the cooling porch. To the uninitiated, there is a strange, alluring mystique to the art of Finnish sauna. But to an ever-increasing number of people-from their small urban saunas to backwoods and lakeside retreats-the culture and practice of Finnish sauna are as much a part of northwoods life as campfires and canoe trips. Beginning with the origins of Finnish sauna and how the practice was first brought to North America, and continuing all the way to contemporary design, The Opposite of Cold is an exquisite commemoration of the history, culture, and practice of Finnish sauna in the northwoods. With stunning photographs of unique and historic saunas of the region-including the oldest sauna in North America, incredible surviving saunas from immigrant farmsteads, and the gorgeous contemporary saunas from noted architects-Michael Nordskog and Aaron Hautala unveil the importance and beauty of sauna culture in modern Midwestern life. Richly illuminated by Aaron Hautala's photographs of distinctive saunas from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Finland, The Opposite of Cold is for people who grew up with Wednesday and Saturday evening saunas (or watched their steaming neighbors running toward the lake) and for those who dream of one day having their own. And through this book we see why Finnish sauna tradition is vital and enduring, from the warmest summer evenings to the coldest winter nights. Review: Returns many memories of Finnish sauna tradition from my youth in MN. - People of Finnish ancestry will likely be well-entertained by this book, The Opposite of Cold. Much from my home area and many familiar names. I loved the background information in regard to sauna and the Finns. The photographs in the book are delightful and those of the fancier saunas bring up the envy! Wow! They are several steps above saunas of those I knew in my younger days. But the idea that "sauna" is a ritual, a process, a healing, a shared event - all that rings true! I need to find more copies for other friends. The word does not rhyme with "donna," you ought to know - it is pronounced "sow-na." The mention of electric stoves as replacement for the wood-burning sauna stoves is a concession to modern times, but the knotty pine interior is certainly one facets that should not. Aroma of warm pine wood is an important element of sauna. The book is a very entertaining read, or to browse. Review: A beautiful book for sauna lovers - After having read all the reviews, I decided to buy this book since it’s pretty price for a book. It’s well worth the money. Beautiful illustrations and very informative! Exactly what I was looking for; a coffee table book for all my friends who love to come over for a sauna Amd would like to know more about it. The negative comment about “nudity” in some reviews is not warrant at all. Very tasteful and appropriate to the topic of taking a sauna. I do appreciate all reviews but it shows that we do all have diff Et sensibilities! If you love saunas and would like to read a book that is beautiful, tasteful and informative, but this one! Thank you to the author and photographer for such a beautiful book!!!
| Best Sellers Rank | #218,533 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #233 in Customs & Traditions Social Sciences #522 in Photograpy Equipment & Techniques #2,706 in U.S. State & Local History |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 66 Reviews |
O**N
Returns many memories of Finnish sauna tradition from my youth in MN.
People of Finnish ancestry will likely be well-entertained by this book, The Opposite of Cold. Much from my home area and many familiar names. I loved the background information in regard to sauna and the Finns. The photographs in the book are delightful and those of the fancier saunas bring up the envy! Wow! They are several steps above saunas of those I knew in my younger days. But the idea that "sauna" is a ritual, a process, a healing, a shared event - all that rings true! I need to find more copies for other friends. The word does not rhyme with "donna," you ought to know - it is pronounced "sow-na." The mention of electric stoves as replacement for the wood-burning sauna stoves is a concession to modern times, but the knotty pine interior is certainly one facets that should not. Aroma of warm pine wood is an important element of sauna. The book is a very entertaining read, or to browse.
M**N
A beautiful book for sauna lovers
After having read all the reviews, I decided to buy this book since it’s pretty price for a book. It’s well worth the money. Beautiful illustrations and very informative! Exactly what I was looking for; a coffee table book for all my friends who love to come over for a sauna Amd would like to know more about it. The negative comment about “nudity” in some reviews is not warrant at all. Very tasteful and appropriate to the topic of taking a sauna. I do appreciate all reviews but it shows that we do all have diff Et sensibilities! If you love saunas and would like to read a book that is beautiful, tasteful and informative, but this one! Thank you to the author and photographer for such a beautiful book!!!
T**M
Great photography and history.
I love this book. The photography of traditional, and ultra modern saunas are awesome. I bought it as a coffee table book for our vacation rentals to encourage people to try our lakeside sauna during their stay(pic included). We have many traditional Finnish neighbors who family sauna every Saturday. Reviewers who are complaining about nudity in a book about sauna need to get a clue. Its about Finnish culture, not your culture.
K**R
Excellent!!!
Excellent book and enjoyable read!!!
L**S
A fascinating representation of a the Finnish culture
This was so interesting to look at and read. We gave it to my mother as a gift, as she is full Finn and grew up with a sauna very similar to some of the ones in the book. Because it is tradition in Finland to use a sauna as a bath, it is important to note that there are some photographs that include nudity (tastefully done, and a true cultural representation). This was a spectacular book that includes fascinating history, photographs, and personal accounts of the wonderful thing we Finlanders call "sow-nah"!
B**E
Review of book
This book was excellant. Lots of pictures. Also lots of names of people I know. In fact, the cabin we had growing up is in this book. Well not the cabin, but the sauna. I would recommend this book to anyone. Like a review of cabins and saunas in the north and a history of them.. If you grew up taking saunas and jumping in the lake at almost any time of year, you will enjoy this book.
S**S
A great gift
This is a great gift for one you love who loves sauna. Well written and researched, we at saunatimes.com appreciate the mutual passion and appreciation of the authentic sauna experience that comes through with each turn of the page. This book will radiate warmly on your coffee table.
S**N
A beautiful book for any Sauna Lover, Minnesotan, or Finnish decendant
This is such a beautiful coffee table book. The photography is amazing and the glossy photos throughout are beautiful. It makes us dream of building a sauna someday. It contains Sauna history in the most fascinating way possible, through magnificent photography and personal stories.
K**A
How to use a Sauna the great benefits of the heat and sweat.
This is a history of the Finnish immigrant and their Sauna culture in the USA and Canada. its how to use the Sauna and build them! Great book will designed and super Photos.
S**E
Excellent Insight Into the Sauna Culture
I got this as a gift for a friend who likes going to saunas in the UK, having had a quick glance through the book I found that it's a great insight into the Finnish sauna culture. Plenty of pictures and descriptions of sauna-related topics we just aren't aware of here in the UK. A nice Sunday read.
J**.
Four Stars
A very nice coffe table book, about the history and such of saunas no instructional matter though.
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