The recent release of this third English-language book on Albania within the span of eighteen months, following Edwin E. Jacques’s The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present and Derek Hall’s Albania and the Albanians, marks a significant addition to the literature on Albanian studies. While these works complement each other rather than compete, each offers a unique perspective on the history and culture of the Albanian people. The common thread among these authors is their deep commitment to the subject, with extensive time spent in Albanian regions over many years. Each book provides valuable insights into the Albanians, both within Albania and in the diaspora.
The book under review provides an overview of Albanian history, focusing on key events from the Ottoman decline through the Balkan Wars and the First World War, up to the post-1992 political landscape. This comprehensive approach includes discussions on the fading of Albania’s Democratic ‘Dream’ and speculations on the future of Albanians across the Balkans.
A standout feature of this book is its clarity. Vickers’s writing is noted for being concise and accessible, making complex historical events understandable to a broad audience. Although currently available only in hardcover, the book’s affordability compared to the other two titles enhances its appeal as a supplementary text for those interested in Albanian history.
Vickers’s sympathetic yet balanced treatment of her subject is particularly commendable. Her book provides a detailed look at Kosovo, which is a central theme due to Vickers’s ongoing work on a book dedicated to its history. She explores Kosovo’s crucial role in the Albanian national revival and its impact on Albania’s development, especially in light of the severe restrictions on education and publishing in the Albanian language during the Ottoman era. Vickers connects the rise in national consciousness in Kosovo with the broader struggles of Albanians against Serbian oppression, noting historical conflicts and human rights abuses.
The book also touches on the unsuccessful attempts to reunite Kosovo with Albania in 1928 and 1940 under Tito’s plans. Vickers highlights the particularly harsh reprisals faced by Kosovo during the 1944 uprising against Yugoslav forces.
Chapter four provides an analysis of the competition among various nations for control over Albanian territories, emphasizing the remarkable fact that Albania emerged as an independent state despite extensive foreign intervention. Vickers allows readers to draw their own conclusions while acknowledging that internal leadership issues have also played a role in the country’s historical struggles.
Ahmed Zogu, a controversial figure, is presented in a nuanced manner. Vickers illustrates Zogu’s positive contributions, such as his promotion of religious tolerance, alongside his manipulative tactics and suppression of opposition. The book humorously recounts the anecdote of Zogu’s exile in London, where his royal family used a cloakroom as an air-raid shelter.
The book also addresses Albania’s transition to Communist rule without Soviet assistance and the extended conflict that might have occurred if Britain had not supported the National Liberation Front (LNC). This discussion continues to spark debate about foreign involvement in Albanian affairs.
Vickers’s use of a broad range of sources, including the works of Stavro Skendi and Joseph Swire, and unpublished correspondence between Harry Hodgkinson and Edith Durham, enriches the book’s content. Three maps illustrate Albania’s shifting position in Europe, and various photographs enhance the text visually. One notable photograph on the dust cover features Rexh Meta, a young Albanian who later attended Cambridge University, with an interesting backstory involving American writer Rose Wilder Lane.
Despite its many strengths, the book has some shortcomings. Albanian place names are inconsistently presented in Serbo-Croatian, which could be confusing, and there is no inclusion of Italian names where relevant. The bibliography lacks publishers’ names, and there are spelling errors and omissions concerning cited works, such as those by Margaret Hasluck and A. Adoni. Additionally, the book does not address the non-European Albanian diaspora. However, these are minor issues in what is otherwise a valuable resource for those interested in Albanian history and society.