Historical Dictionary of Albania

Among the most closed of the Balkan states during the Communist era and now open to the world, Albania's history and culture remains remote but for the help of this reference. Author Elise, a translator and interpreter of Albanian recently attached to the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia in The Hague, presents an historical chronology from the 7th century BC to June 2009, an informative introduction, maps, and hundreds of detailed entries in this encyclopedic overview of Albania past and present, its people of note, historical periods and events, political dynamics and general issues that have shaped its character and destiny. An especially useful bibliography impresses with its broad scope. Concentrating on works in English, this body of resources for further study is organized around extensive and often surprisingly contemporary listings in individual areas: general interest, culture, history, society, politics, economy, juridical matters, science, and internet sources. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Robert Elsie is the author of over 50 books and numerous articles. He has served as a translator and interpreter of Albanian, most recently before the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, and presently he works for the Hague Tribunal.