The Queen Dowager's life regiment is best known for its part in the inexplicable surrender of Viapori, the largest fortress in the Swedish realm, during the War of Finland in May 1808. The surrender marked the end of the regiment and overshadowed its reputation. John Screen's book is the history of the two battalions of the regiment stationed in Viapori from 1772. to 18o8. It is based on the considerable surviving archive material, especially the regiment's muster rolls, as well as other records and literature. The book describes the organisation, personnel and duties of the regiment, including its active service, and builds up a picture of daily life on Viapori for soldiers and officers. The study reveals that the Queen Dowager's Life Regiment was a competent unit which merited a better fate.