First published in Finland as Muminpappas bravader (1950). (In 1960, this title was changed into Muminpappans memoarer.) Translated by Thomas Warburton. First American edition, 1994. Sunburst edition, 1994. Paperback, 162 pages.


The blurb:

At last it can be told! The true story of Moominpappa’s youth—his triumphs, his tribulations, and his momentous meetings with the Joxter and the Muddler (the fathers of Snufkin and Sniff, respectively), and, of course, Moominmamma.

Praise for the Moomintroll Series

Jansson’s invention and philosophy of life remain as appealing as ever.

— The Horn Book

The Moomins originated in Finland, found their way to England, and have now, happily, crossed the Atlantic. One couldn’t ask for more engaging citizens.

— The Christian Science Monitor

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Moomins are Finland’s gift to the world: Even though Moomin books are written for children, both grownups and kids love them.
Most of us Finns have read these books as translated versions since Tove Jansson wrote in Swedish.

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Among other things, the Moomin Family — especially Moominpappa — likes new adventures. He also loves the sea. Also, I like to introduce Moominpappa and his family to some nice non-Finnish BC’ers. That’s why this book will be travelling all the way to Georgia, USA to meet cordelia-anne. I know he’ll just love her, and I sure wish she’ll like him too.
And here’s a message to anyone who reads this book: Last October, I had lunch with CatharinaL and myntti. Among other things, we were discussing the Moomins and wondering if they are too culture-specific. They are children’s books but the fact is that in Finland also grown-ups read, re-read and love them. For us, they are philosophic statements. We see a kind of Moomin ideology in them; something about tolerating and accepting difference and diversity, being just what you are, etc. (That’s the way I see them, at least.) Anyway, we were wondering if it’s even possible for a non-Finn to see them in the same way. That’s why I hope that after reading the book, you’ll make a journal entry telling how you liked it. And if you didn’t, please, don’t hesitate to say so. I’m just curious. :)

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Tove (Marika) Jansson (1914—2001) on Pegasos — A literature related site in Finland
The Moomin World and its creator by Thomas Warburton on Virtual Finland
Tove Jansson by Pekka Tarkka on Virtual Finland
Tove Jansson on Wikipedia

Moomin Characters
Moomin on Wikipedia

The Moominvalley of the Tampere Art Museum
Moomin Museum on Wikipedia


ETA April 21, 2009: I took the book to the post office today, it’s leaving for Georgia, USA. Estimated travelling time is 5 to 7 workdays. Enjoy the Memoirs!

Moominpappas' memoirs arrived here in Georgia as cordelia-anne had awakened from a painful malaise into a full-fledged, raging illness. She opened the pages and saw that poor Moominpappa was suffering from a bad summer cold, worse Moominmamma was not aware of all of the history of the moominmementos of the their happy home. She and Moominpappa thus became the parents of this wonderful adventure book. As Moominpappa was suffering from that disabling cold, why not fill up the exercise book, lying around the house anyway, with his memories--no memoirs--for their dear Moomintrolls. Though cordelia-anne's illness and vexation have not resolved, she's extremely delighted to have this adventure story to ponder. Among other things, it relieves her from the burden of writing her own memoirs, which would be mighty similar to Moominpappa's, substituting Magnolias and pecan trees for some of the flora described and Chattahoochee otters perhaps for hedgehogs. For some reason, in her youth, cordelia-anne often had the suspicion that she was a Moomin foundling among Hemulens. Thanks to Tarna, cordelia-anne now has a Scandinavian translation of this experience and she is enjoying it--Oh so much!!!! cordelia-anne hopes that Tarna will enjoy the books sent from here in Georgia as much as she is enjoying Moominpappa's memoirs but she can't quite imagine how. At the end of cordelia-anne's reading of his memoirs, Moominpappa will certainly go on a bookcrossing journey! For now however, cordelia-anne has his memoirs very tightly held in her deeply appreciative paws. She is savoring Moomipappa's story which has made her laugh aloud from time to time.

My goodness! I can't believe I've been harboring this precious story for all this time. With the help of gracious Fininsh bookcrossers, I've become a Moomin and a Tove Jansson fan. I promised this book to ETMadrid a year ago as she's a great traveler and has actually been to Finland. Some day I would love to make that journey myself. Sadly, traveling through northwest and northeast Georgia USA is taking all of my energy. I logged 23,000 miles this past year, which is much too much. I'm mailing this out from Athens, Georgia- USA this afternoon. I treasure my newly found connection to Finnish culture and have enjoyed the lovely, simple ornaments on my Christmas tree. Thank you Tarna for being such a lovely bookcrossing friend. I now have a copy of Moominpappa's Memoirs on my personal bookshelf and have given two others as gifts. This book is a a source of great fun. May its continuing bookcrossing journey bring joy.

"'Tomorrow!" repeated Moominpappa with youthfully shining eyes.."A new door to the Unbelievable, to the Possible. A new day when everything may happen if you have no objection to it" I release this book with thanks to the lovely Tarna and with a wish for happy adventures for her, ETMadrid and all of the future readers of this book.

Wow - I feel like it's my birthday today! I have no recollection of having been expecting this book so it is all the more pleasurable! But I did notice a Moomin bookring recently and exercised restraint by not joining it. And yes, I was in Finland in the Christmas of 2010. I now live very close to the Finnish Church in London, and this Christmas my husband and I bought ourselves a Moomin advent calendar at their Christmas fair. So I look forward to learning a bit more about them.

Thank you too cordelia-anne for the very thoughtful letter on such specially chosen paper! I shall bear in mind your suggestion.

I finished this this morning, and loved it! How marvellously mad!! So much fun... really enjoyed it, and I'll happily read the other books if I come upon them. I live very near the Finnish Church here in London so might possibly leave it there - not sure yet. Thank you so much cordelia-anne!!

I left this with a pile of books that I think are freely available at the Finnish Church. Yesterday they were out on a table but when I went to leave it there today, they were under the table, as the Scandinavian market is underway.

Found the Book from the Finnish Church in London (Lontoon merimieskirkko). What is better than a Finnish cinnamon bun with Moominpappa's memoirs?