“The literary critic should never immerse himself exclusively in literature, nor should the aesthete immerse himself in aesthetics alone.” This is what Rafael Koskimies recalled his father having once said, and what he also strived to achieve in his work. In his criticism, he tried to avoid language that was too bold or loaded, whilst maintaining a varied and lively style. His essays pondered the ethics of the critic, arguing that fairness, moderation and truthfulness were essential values in the profession. In addition, he was seldom drawn to the political polemics of the day. Perhaps for these very reasons that he has been well regarded as a critic.

Koskimies began his journalistic career whilst still an undergraduate. He had sent a sample critique to V.A. Koskenniemi, then editor-in-chief of the journal Aika. Koskenniemi liked what he saw and invited Koskimies to work for the magazine. His official title was subeditor, but his main task was to write reviews on the theatre and books. The journal also provided him with a springboard, since many of its employees and guest writers were to become professors and famous authors. Later, Koskimies was involved with Uusi Suomi as a permanent writer and served as editor-in-chief for Valvoja-Aika, a magazine that succeeded Aika.

Sources (in Finnish):

• Laitinen, Kai, ‘Koskimies, Rafael’. National Biography of Finland online. Accessed 11 May 2015.
• ‘Kaarlo Rafael Koskimies’. Menneisyyden humanistit (a webpage on humanists of the past). Accessed 13 May 2015.
• Rafael Koskimies, ”Helsinki ja Härjänvatsa” (’Helsinki and the stomach of an ox’). Otava: Helsinki 1953.