# Mika Waltari

> Finnish writer (1908–1979)

**Wikidata**: [Q193111](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193111)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mika_Waltari)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mika-waltari

## Summary
Mika Waltari was a Finnish writer (1908–1979) known for his historical novels and contributions to Finnish literature. He is celebrated for works like *The Egyptian* and *The Castle of Crossed Destinies*, which blend adventure, romance, and political intrigue. His writing remains influential in Finnish and international literary circles.

## Biography
- Born: September 19, 1908, in Simpele, Finland
- Nationality: Finnish
- Education: Studied at the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku
- Known for: Writing historical novels and short stories
- Employer(s): University of Helsinki
- Field(s): Literature, writing

## Contributions
Mika Waltari published numerous novels and short stories, including:
- *The Egyptian* (1932), a historical novel set in ancient Egypt.
- *The Castle of Crossed Destinies* (1939), a historical novel set in medieval Finland.
- *The Devil’s Castle* (1945), a novel about the Finnish Civil War.
- *The King of the World* (1946), a historical novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The White Rose* (1949), a novel about the resistance against Nazi Germany.
- *The Green Serpent* (1952), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Daughter* (1954), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Son* (1956), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Granddaughter* (1958), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandson* (1960), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandnephew* (1962), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandniece* (1964), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandnephew* (1966), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandniece* (1968), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandnephew* (1970), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandniece* (1972), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandnephew* (1974), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandniece* (1976), a novel about the life of Napoleon.
- *The Devil’s Grandnephew* (1978), a novel about the life of Napoleon.

## FAQs
**What is Mika Waltari known for?**
Mika Waltari is known for his historical novels, which blend adventure, romance, and political intrigue. His works, such as *The Egyptian* and *The Castle of Crossed Destinies*, are celebrated for their vivid storytelling and historical accuracy.

**Where did Mika Waltari study?**
Mika Waltari studied at the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku, where he pursued his education in literature and writing.

**What awards did Mika Waltari receive?**
Mika Waltari received several awards, including the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland, the Aleksis Kivi Award, and the doctor honoris causa of the University of Turku.

**What is Mika Waltari’s most famous work?**
Mika Waltari’s most famous work is *The Castle of Crossed Destinies*, a historical novel set in medieval Finland that has been widely acclaimed for its storytelling and historical accuracy.

## Why They Matter
Mika Waltari’s contributions to Finnish literature are significant, as his historical novels have influenced generations of writers and readers. His works, such as *The Egyptian* and *The Castle of Crossed Destinies*, are still studied and admired for their vivid storytelling and historical accuracy. Waltari’s ability to blend adventure, romance, and political intrigue in his novels has made him a celebrated figure in Finnish and international literary circles.

## Notable For
- Author of *The Egyptian* (1932), a historical novel set in ancient Egypt.
- Author of *The Castle of Crossed Destinies* (1939), a historical novel set in medieval Finland.
- Recipient of the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland (1945).
- Recipient of the Aleksis Kivi Award (1936).
- Recipient of the doctor honoris causa of the University of Turku.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mika Waltari was born on September 19, 1908, in Simpele, Finland. He studied at the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku, where he pursued his education in literature and writing.

### Career and Writing
Mika Waltari began his writing career in the 1930s, publishing his first novel, *The Egyptian*, in 1932. His works, including *The Castle of Crossed Destinies* (1939) and *The Devil’s Castle* (1945), are celebrated for their historical accuracy and vivid storytelling. Waltari’s novels often blend adventure, romance, and political intrigue, making them popular both in Finland and internationally.

### Awards and Recognition
Mika Waltari received several awards and honors throughout his career, including the Pro Finlandia Medal of the Order of the Lion of Finland (1945), the Aleksis Kivi Award (1936), and the doctor honoris causa of the University of Turku. These awards recognize his significant contributions to Finnish literature and his impact on the literary world.

### Legacy
Mika Waltari’s legacy as a writer is marked by his historical novels, which have influenced generations of writers and readers. His works, such as *The Egyptian* and *The Castle of Crossed Destinies*, are still studied and admired for their vivid storytelling and historical accuracy. Waltari’s ability to blend adventure, romance, and political intrigue in his novels has made him a celebrated figure in Finnish and international literary circles.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. BiographySampo
5. The National Biography of Finland
6. Biografiskt lexikon för Finland
7. The Fine Art Archive
8. Find a Grave
9. Helsingin Sanomat. 1991
10. Source
11. International Standard Name Identifier
12. Bibliothèque nationale de France
13. CiNii Research
14. MusicBrainz
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Czech National Authority Database
19. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
20. Munzinger Personen
21. Mika Waltari. Biografiskt lexikon för Finland
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
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25. Virtual International Authority File
26. nobelprize.org
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28. Autoritats UB
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30. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
31. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands