From 18th-century accounts to contemporary discourse, this book critically examines the notion of 'Nordic exceptionalism’. Through careful historical analysis, it explores how external observers have perceived and portrayed Nordic societies, questioning the roots and evolution of this influential concept within social as well as art-historical debates. Our main research question is: Were ideas of exceptionalism already present in early discussions and debates about the Nordic countries?

While the perception of Nordic exceptionalism has often been idealised, the book shows that it has never been devoid of cultural criticism. Nevertheless, there remains a consistent acknowledgement that the Nordic countries stand out as a distinct cultural unit shaped by a distinctive cultural and political trajectory. The book fills a gap in existing critical literature by analysing historical perspectives. Furthermore, it explores how the Nordic countries have crafted their self-representation in response to these external views.

Each chapter is thoughtfully curated to balance scholarly rigour with accessibility, making it suitable for students and scholars in the interdisciplinary fields of history, cultural studies, art- and literary history, and transnational research.