Lars Olsson rose from a poor background, created his own fortune and, under the name LO Smith, became one of the most controversial figures of his day. Vodka king, workers champion, parliamentarian, globetrotter and one of Sweden s richest men. His public life was a rollercoaster ride of stunning victories and crushing defeats his private life was no different. Author Pelle Berglund has, with the help of letters, diaries and other archive material, created a portrait of this larger than life figure, a figure best known today for adorning the seal of the Absolut vodka bottle.