For three generations, Cork-Wicanders built an international business dynasty. Today, no one remembers them – except perhaps that the family donated their country estate Harpsund as the prime minister's residence. Benito Peix Geldart sets the record straight in this new book about the forgotten Wicander family.
August, Hjalmar, and Carl August Wicanders' entrepreneurial work from the 1860s to the interwar period reflects the entire rise of modern Sweden. They built their business on cork, a raw material found only far beyond the country's borders, became global entrepreneurs, and world leaders in their industry.
Strike while the storm rages – which was said to be August's favorite expression – is a multifaceted story about a complicated entrepreneurial family, based on entirely new research and previously unknown material.
The book which we now publish was born from an idea by the prime minister couple Birgitta Ed and Ulf Kristersson. Everyone knows Harpsund but who were the ones who donated the property? Now we know!
The book is out in Swedish right now, and an English version will be available in 2026.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benito Peix Geldart earned his doctorate in history in 2013 and is a researcher at the Centre for Business History. Among his previous books from Förlaget Näringslivshistoria are Olof Söderberg – trading leader, industrialist, community builder (2023) and The Steel Pioneer, the story of Pelle Söderberg (2019).
The book is published with support from the Axel and Margaret Ax:son Johnson Foundation for Charitable Purposes.
