If asked to name their favourite books and authors or formative reading experiences, Finns will probably reel off a list of fiction writers and works of fiction.

As the conversation develops, many people begin to recall their schoolbooks and what they were for. Next up come dictionaries, maps and reference works. And these bring to mind all manner of biographies, history books, essay collections, research publications or general works of non-fiction. And what about digests of current affairs or polemical writings? Or the vast number of cookery books, craft and hobby books, dog-training manuals, and so on? Of course they are just fine for those who do as instructed by the texts, but they can be just as valid for those who’d rather just browse and plan.

Non-fiction tends to be so practically oriented or tied to certain activities that its impact on society often goes unnoticed. However, it plays a crucial part in the maintenance and development of so many important aspects of social and cultural life.

Research into non-fiction writing focuses on different ways and styles of presenting information, bringing out the diversity of writing: collaborative writing, editing work and the role of editorial staff and the collaboration between book cover designers, illustrators, photojournalists, terminologists, translators and many other professionals. Digital publications involves yet more of these professionals. And researching these publications also requires collaboration between various disciplines.

Non-fiction is important for the development of young people’s literacy and the joy of reading, since anyone can find something that interests them. The Finnish Association of Non-fiction Writers, working in partnership with the Lauri Jäntti Foundation, grants an annual scholarship to active young readers of non-fiction. Find out more here.