The History of Lapland (ePub)

Johannes Scheffer, often regarded as an early figure in the field of ethnography, was a 17th-century scholar whose work largely contributed to our understanding of the Sámi people and the region of Lapland. Born on February 2, 1621, in Strasbourg, Alsace (then part of the Holy Roman Empire), Scheffer was a man of academia who established himself through various eruditions. He eventually settled in Sweden where he became a professor of rhetoric and politics at Uppsala University. His profound interest in the cultural and natural characteristics of the northern territories of Sweden led him to write the comprehensive work 'The History of Lapland' also known historically as 'Lapponia' (1673), which diligently describes the geography, animals, and the way of life of the Lapland inhabitants, alongside their social structures and beliefs. His book is seen as an important historical source for understanding the early modern period in Scandinavia and the lives of the indigenous Sámi people. Scheffer's literary style was characterized by detailed observation and a strong adherence to the empirical method, which was innovative for his time and subject. His contributions remain significant in both the historical and anthropological fields, providing a window into the life of a lesser-known, yet culturally rich region during the 17th century.