We are absolutely thrilled to share wonderful news about FINNISH SAUNA conquering the world, announced today in Bookbrunch:

The MacLehose Press has signed Finnish Sauna: Steam, wood, stone & how to build your own, a definitive trade book on the art and science of sauna by global expert Dr Lassi Liikkanen. Publisher Katharina Bielenberg and Quercus md Jon Butler bought world rights, excluding Finland, from Elina Ahlbäck of the Ahlbäck Agency in Helsinki. It will be published in September.

The book will be published in the same format and style as the Christmas bestseller Norwegian Wood, and expands on the growing global resurgence of interest in the health benefits of sauna. ‘From the history, science and tradition of the practice to how to build and maintain a sauna of your own, this is the perfect introduction to löyly – the magical steam that rises from the heated stones – and the very Finnish art of living well.’

Warmest Congratulations, Lassi A. Liikkanen!

 Jon Butler, Managing Director, said:

 “Hardly a week goes by without a big ‘trend’ piece in the Guardian or New York Times proclaiming 2025 the year that sauna finally goes mainstream in the English-speaking world. We are only a few thousand years behind the Finns, then… but so excited to bring Lassi Liikkanen’s definitive book on the construction, culture and history of sauna to readers later this year. Both a gorgeous object and packed full of wisdom, advice and insight from one of the world’s leading experts in the field, we hope that Finnish Sauna will inspire readers everywhere to learn the life-changing secrets of löyly.”

Agent Elina Ahlbäck said:

 “Finnish Sauna is conquering the world, and with amazing speed! Only a year ago at London Book Fair 2024, Katharina Bielenberg wanted to find a book for Maclehose about how to build your own sauna. Our agency found the leading expert Lassi Liikkanen on this topic, and Quercus/MacLehose will beautifully publish this unique book in September 2025. We are thrilled to see the wellness trend and the secret to Finnish happiness travelling the world.”

Source article: https://www.bookbrunch.co.uk/page/articledetail/maclehose-explores-the-science-of-sauna

About our Author:

Dr Lassi Liikkanen (he/him) is a designer, author, and founder, and a recognized thought leader in Finnish sauna design and technology matters. With over a decade of experience in the Finnish tech industry, he has held pivotal roles in shaping digital products and services. A former active researcher, Dr Liikkanen has published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and conference papers across product design, interactive technology, music psychology, cognitive neuroscience – and, of course, saunas. He also holds the title of Docent in Human-Centred Product Design at Aalto University.

Since 2016, Dr. Liikkanen has become an internationally respected expert in sauna technology, sharing knowledge through his platform Saunologia.fi, which reaches over hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. His book Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design, first published in 2019, became available in English in 2021 and in Japanese since 2024. He offers Finnish sauna design and consulting services to clients globally.