'The poorest and most underdeveloped country in Europe,' according to the author, Albania is a mystery to most of us, reason enough to give this title serious consideration. This book represents Albania's third appearance in Scarecrow's 'Historical Dictionaries of Europe' series; the first by Raymond Hutchings appeared debuted in 1996, the second by Elsie in 2004. The author of more than 50 books and articles on Albania and a literary translator, Elsie here presents 750 brief entries on the people, organizations, and events shaping this turbulent Balkan land. He includes non-Albanians who have contributed significantly to Albanian studies and culture, and he aptly describes items of cultural interest. The 'Evil Eye' entry is particularly
intriguing. A chronology of Albanian history from the seventh century B.C.E. to 2009, plus lists of heads of state and political organizations, provides useful supplemental material. The most noticeable update since the 2004 edition is in the extensive classified bibliography. The maps are also new to this edition. BOTTOM LINE Highly recommended for libraries. Library Journal Readers researching Albania will find more than 735 up-to-date entries in this second edition, which is more than 50 pages larger than the first (1996). Topics cover geographic features (Gramsh, District of; Prespa, Lake); industries (Agriculture, Banking, Oil production); organizations (National Information Service, United Nations); events from Albanian history (Pyramid investment scandal and the 1997 uprising); and people from a wide range of time periods and occupations, including persons born in Albania, such as current prime minister Sali Berisha, as well as non-Albanians affiliated in some way with Albania, such as English poet Lord Byron. Countries are covered in terms of their relevance to Albania (e.g., Kosovo, Albanians in; China, relations with). Author Elsie also includes entries from other topic areas, such as government and society (Health care, President) and culture (Film, Theater). Many entries are single paragraphs. A few subjects, such as Islam, span several pages. Second to the entries in significance is a 75-page bibliography. Although English-language sources are emphasized, resources in Albanian and other languages are included. Items are organized under nine sections (e.g., "History," "Society"). Numerous resources have been added since the previous edition. Other features include a 22-page introduction covering events in Albanian history and a 23-page chronology...An excellent introduction to Albania for academic and public library users. Booklist An informative introduction, maps, 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. Book News, Inc.
