Robinson, John. An Account of Sueden: together with an extract of the history of that kingdom. [Microform]. London: Printed for Tim Goodwin, 1694.

            Robinson is a male diplomat from England who traveled to Sweden at the end of the 17^th century to understand this upstart power in the Baltic.  He is probably from the gentry of England considering his ability to mix with the elite crowd of Sweden and make accurate accounts of the King’s daily life.  The book seems to be written for militaristic purposes, but Tim Goodwin (from the cited information on the book) was an Arch-bishop at the time, what would Goodwin want to do with military matters?  Perhaps Robinson served in the military or was trained as a foreign diplomat to take detailed accounts of places.  This book was not written for entertainment purposes.  We know from Robinson that England was in a trade agreement at this time with Sweden, which would help explain English interest in the territory. “This city is in a manner a Staple of Sweden to which most of the Goods of their own Growth, via Iron, Copper, Wire, Pitch, Tar, Masts, Deals, etc.” (14)

John Robinson’s account of Sweden is written in a detailed manner which suggests that while he traveled he took notes.  These notes became useful later for writing his book.  The book begins by describing Sweden’s resources including travel ability, mines, animals, and agricultural capability.  Robinson’s account describes the cities in detail by accounting for their construction material, longitude and latitude, and their people or the Gentry who he accounts as being full of courage and carrying a war-like temperament.  The laws of Sweden are complex and govern even the sea.  The Swedes are a religious people who often frequent visits to church.  The Swedes are also educated at universities. The detailed beginning and the descriptions of the culture of the Swedish people only set up for what Robinson is really there to accomplish, a mission to detail the military power of Sweden.

            A chapter is spent describing the king of Sweden and the history behind his family, as well as the amount of troops he keeps for protection and the castle he stays in.  These suggest to me that he is examining the king’s personality to see which way would be best to deal with him, and if it were possible to get to the king through his castle and past his guards.  The second half of the book is about military power and the king’s knowledge of battle and his recent victories, which no doubt caught the eye of other European powers.  Foreign relations are discussed suggesting who to make treaties with or against in a time of war.  Robinson also keeps account of the amount of men in the army and the ship’s in the king’s fleet, and the revenues the king is able to bring in.

            This book is about Sweden and speaks little of the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania unless they are mentioned in foreign affairs. The following passage refers to expansion into the Baltic States and the wars fought. “The Swedes have made use of them (Allies) in their wars against Muscovy, Poland, Germany, and Denmark.” (54)  Robinson also makes accounts of the quartering of troops “and their being in Sueden, Finland, and Liefland.” (57) Robinson mentions “Riga, Reval, and Narva which are strong places, there are several considerable fortresses.”  (61)  This book would not be of much help to anyone trying write about the Baltic States.  Robinsons spends a chapter speaking of the conversion to Lutheran, but no note is made about reduction of church and noble lands, and had a large effect on the Baltic territory.

(SS 2006)