"The King of Karelia.
Col P.J. Woods and the British Intervention in North Russia 1918-1919. A History and Memoir"
By Nick Baron

Francis Boutle Publishers, July 2007
ISBN: 978-1903427323
Pbk. 345 pp., 18 plates + maps, notes, index.
GBP£12.99
The book can be ordered directly from the publisher:
http://www.francisboutle.co.uk/booklist/karelia/index.htm
E-mail: info@francisboutle.co.uk
Tel. & fax: +44 (0)20 8889 7744

Synopsis:
"In June 1918, Colonel P.J. Woods, a Northern Irish officer who had just returned from fighting in France and Flanders, was sent to North Russia on a special mission with the British interventionary taskforce. At Murmansk, the Allied Commander-in-Chief General Maynard commissioned Woods with recruiting a volunteer battalion of local Karelians to fight against German-led White Finns. During the subsequent year, Woods organised and led the Karelian Regiment, headquartered at Kem' in White Sea Karelia, where he played an important role in the local population's striving for national self-determination.

The first part of this book is a scholarly account of Woods' life and times, based on original research. The second part is Woods' memoir of his Karelian adventure, written with elegance, humour, and an evident love for the northern landscape and its people.

This volume offers an important account of a hitherto overlooked episode in twentieth century military, diplomatic and political history. It will be of interest to anyone interested in World War One and its military and diplomatic aftermath in Finland and Russia, Karelian nationalism and culture, and the Russian civil war."

Dr. Nick Baron
School of History,
University of Nottingham
Tel.: +44 (0)115 951 5928
Fax: +44 (0)161 275 3256

E-mail: nick.baron@nottingham.ac.uk
Web: www.nottingham.ac.uk/history

Current research project:
www.popdis.org.