The A to Z of Denmark

Denmark is the oldest monarchy in Europe. At different points in its history, the country's boundaries have encompassed England, Sweden, West Africa, India, and the West Indies. Despite its changing and relatively small boundaries, Denmark plays a much larger role in the politics of Europe than might be expected. Additionally, through its territories (Faroe Islands and Greenland), Denmark has managed to retain an important presence in the North Atlantic. Today, democratic Denmark, with its thriving capital, Copenhagen, is peaceful, prosperous, and progressive. Within NATO, Denmark has contributed to peacekeeping in the Persian Gulf and Bosnia, and the "Danish Model" of welfare gives Danes a real sense of social security while presenting naysyers with a provocative example of a successfully managed welfare state. Danes have a reputatation for inventiveness and good design, whether in architecture, furniture, silver jewelry and tableware, or porcelain, combining function and craft quality.

The A to Z of Denmark relates the history of this successful country through a chronology, introductory essay, appendixes, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on kings, politicians, officials, explorers, authors, architects, composers, painters, astronomers, educators, reformers, political parties, social movements, and other aspects of Danish society.

Alastair H. Thomas taugth political science for thirty years until his retirements as Emeritus Professsor in 2000 at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston, England. Since then he has been Quaker chaplain and convenor of the Multi-Faith chaplaincy team at the University.