Albania's Greatest Friend: Aubrey Herbert and the Making of Modern Albania: Diaries and Papers 1904-1923

Impeccably aristocratic and eccentric in a uniquely English tradition, Aubrey Herbert was at first sight an incongruous champion of Albanian nationalism, to say the least. Tall, slender and slightly stooped, with a moustache and heavily lidded eyes, Herbert wore a monocle and had white patches in his hair caused by an attack of alopoecia in 1911. Within England, let alone abroad, he cut a colourful figure. (He even achieved literary immortality as the character of Sandy Arbuthnot in John Buchan's 'Greenmantle' series of adventure books.)

But Herbert was also an intrepid traveller, an acclaimed linguist and an outspoken and independent thinker who became enthralled by the Balkans. From soon after his first visit to the region in 1904 as honorary attachT at the British Embassy in Constantinople until his death in 1923 he was indefatigable in campaigning for the cause of Albania. Initially introduced to its politics and culture through the influence of his Muslim Albanian servant, Kyazim Kukeli, Herbert was captivated by the country's romance and atmosphere that evoked another age. He returned frequently and gained respect as an expert on the region, even being honoured with repeated requests that he assume the Albanian throne.

Herbert was persistent and even ingenious in pursuing opportunities to put the case for Albanian nationhood before, during and after World War I. He could be disarmingly charming and, as this volume reveals, this, with his unsurpassable connections, made him a persuasive advocate for the Albanian cause, arguably more so than the sometimes caustic Edith Durham.

Albania's Greatest Friend charts Herbert's involvement with Albania over the course of his life, in his own words, through his own extensive diaries and letters. It not only paints an authoritative portrait of a remarkable Englishman, but also sheds fresh light on the wider Albanian national movement and a fascinating period in European history.

The Hon Aubrey Nigel Henry Molyneux Herbert (1880-1923) was the second son of Henry Herbert, 4th Earl of Carnarvon, and half-brother to George Herbert, 5th Earl of Carnarvon, made famous by the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. He worked for two years as a diplomat, four years as an officer in the Irish Guards during World War I and for twelve years he was the Conservative Member of Parliament for South Somerset and Yeovil.

Educated at Eton and Oxford, Herbert counted among his many influential friends T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), Raymond Asquith, Hilaire Belloc and John Buchan. Herbert and his wife, Mary, had four children. His daughter, Laura, married the novelist Evelyn Waugh. A renowned traveller, Herbert was passionately committed throughout his adult life to the cause of Albanian self-determination.

Jason Tomes has lectured in history, politics, and international relations for the Universities of Oxford, Poznan and Boston. His previous publications include King Zog: Self-Made Monarch of Albania and Balfour and Foreign Policy.

Bejtullah Destani is a British-Albanian scholar and founder of the Centre for Albanian Studies in London, of which he is the Director. He is the editor of numerous books about the history and politics of Albania.

Noel Malcolm is the author of Bosnia: A Short History and Kosovo: A Short History.

Jason Tomes has lectured in history, politics, and international relations for the Universities of Oxford, Poznan and Boston. His previous publications include King Zog: Self-Made Monarch of Albania and Balfour and Foreign Policy.
Bejtullah Destani is a British-Albanian scholar and rounder of the Centre lor Albanian Studies in London, of which he is the Director. He is the editor of numerous books about the history and politics of Albania.
Noel Malcolm is the author of Bosnia: A Short History and Kosovo: A Short History.