The Sauna Is: Revised and Expanded [Paperback]

Bernhard Hillila (Author), Nancy Hillila (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1932043098 | ISBN-13: 978-1932043099 | Publication Date: May 20, 2003 | Edition: Revised

Once again Bernard Hillila bares the importance of the sauna in the nature of "Finnishness," with splashes of colorful as well as thoughtful insight. Bernie says,"...you may think 'The Sauna Is'...something I'm too steamed up about! Nevertheless...if genius is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration, try thinking through your problems in a sauna!" For most Finns, the sauna is a way of life. Although growing in popularity throughout the world, the concept is sometimes misunderstood and misrepresented. This book defines the authentic sauna experience, and considers related historical, physiological, psychological, and moral issues. Information about sauna construction is also provided. It presents "some cold facts about that very hot place"...for the staunchest sauna advocates, sauna owner wannabes, and the curious. Read about the sauna strategy in governmental deliberations. Custonmarily the first item on the agenda for regularly scheduled meetings of the Finnish Cabinet is the sauna. Former President Urho Kekkonen has said of the sauna consultation, "It is a great leveler: there are no ministers, VIPs, laborers, or lumberjacks on the platform, only sauna mates." Since the mood of the sauna is one of relaxation and shared enjoyment, the style of this book reflects that spirit, along with the author's keen observations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Bernhard Hillila, the son of Finnish immigrants, is a sauna enthusiast and expert, a Valparaiso University professor emeritus, a Lutheran pastor, and a former college president and university dean. He has studied saunas in Finland, he has built saunas, he enjoys saunas, and he knows the physical and mental benefits of sauna bathing. Mr. Hillila has authored nine books including both prose and poetry, along with a number of translations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Penfield Books; Revised edition (May 20, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932043098
• ISBN-13: 978-1932043099
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,603,013 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Generic info and background on saunas, July 20, 2007

By 

L. Vãin "Vain" (Estonia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sauna Is: Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

While certainly not a book with details on how to build a sauna nor any new significant information for myself, I am milder in my assessment than the previous reviewer.

It's about expectations with which you come to this book at hand. The author himself phrases the objective of the book as "The main purpose of this book is to provide reliable information about the sauna. Although the sauna is growing in popularity in the United States and throughout the world, there are many to whom the concept is strange, perhaps even frightening. To such readers this volume is an invitation to explore the sauna, to become better acquainted with it, and to enjoy it as a very natural and healthful experience."

The book is targeted for those who have not grown up with a sauna and gives general information about saunas, how to use them and their history.

2 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars If I could give it a zero I would!, October 2, 2006

By 

J. Hopkins "Baja James" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sauna Is: Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

Here is the total book. A sauna is hot. It makes you sweat. You sweat out toxins......

That is it. Save your 10.95. There is no usful information here.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars There isn't much anything in here, June 2, 2009

By 

Michael A. Duvernois (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Sauna Is: Revised and Expanded (Paperback)

There's not a lot of content to this book. It introduces the sauna to someone who has never heard of it, and makes some vague health claims. Books like this can be safely ignored today when we can obtain a whole lot more information on saunas in a couple of minutes of google and wikipedia viewing.