Just like people, countries change. This applies most emphatically to Sweden. Once warlike and expansive, it has become neutral and if anything contented with its lot. Once terribly poor and backward, it has become uncommonly rich and advanced. Once conservative and dominated by the nobility and men in general, it has become a prolific source of social experiments with particular stress on equality. This has put Sweden in the forefront in many sectors, indeed, so much so that the Swedish “miracle” was widely admired and emulated. Yet, even now that the limitations and failings are more evident, it remains a country from which much can be learned. These changes obviously took decades and sometimes centuries, so they can only be correctly appreciated by observing the longer trends. That is just one reason why this Historical Dictionary of Sweden is so useful. And it is even more useful in its second updated and greatly expanded edition. For, it does take a long view, and it does show us where Sweden is coming from. But it also looks very carefully at the present situation, the problems as well as the achievements. The entries thus cover kings and nobles but also politicians, economists, businessmen, scientists, and cultural figures. Others describe the major institutions, political parties, trade unions, and newspapers or the educational system and literature. The flow of events can be grasped more readily thanks to a handy chronology. Those wanting to learn more about any particular aspect can consult a substantial and well-structured bibliography.