Robert Elsie

As the seventh and probably last state to arise from the ruins of the former Yugoslavia, Kosovo is the newest country in Europe. For centuries, Kosovo, also known as Kosova, was part of the Ottoman Empire, and for most of the 20th century, it was a province of what was once Yugoslavia. After the military conflict in 1998-1999 and a period of administration by the United Nations, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Focusing not only on Kosovo's turbulent recent years, the second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Kosovo also relates the country's rich culture and long history. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, an extensive bibliography, and over 400 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, places, and events; institutions and organizations; and political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Kosovo.

Albania is not well known by outsiders; it was deliberately closed to the outside world during the communist era. Now it has thankfully become free again, its borders are open and it can be visited, and it is increasingly integrating with the rest of Europe and beyond. Unfortunately, Albania has had its share of problems in the post-communist era; it's a land of destitution and despair, thanks in part to the Albanian mafia, which has turned the country into one of blood-feuds, kalashnikovs, and eternal crises. Yet, Albania is, in essence, a European nation like any other and will soon, it is to be hoped, advance and take its proper place in Europe and the world. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Albania relates the history of this little-known country through a detailed chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, appendixes, and over 700 cross-referenced dictionary entries on significant persons, places, and events; institutions and organizations; and political, economic, social, cultural, and religious facets.

Shortlisted for the Freedom of Expression TY Fyfel Award 2008Why does Thesar Lumi disembark from the refugee ship to Italy and return to his home town? The question posed at the beginning of this compelling novel is answered as his life story is gradually revealed.The Loser is a moving portrayal of the suppression not just of art by a controlled press and other repressive state mechanisms, but of a whole people denied the freedom to express themselves individually, to circulate and discuss ideas about ways of living and thinking. In short it is about the denial of the right to freedom of an entire population and the kind of personal despair such despotism can produce. And yet The Loser is also a moving novel of love and loss."Kongoli's scorching novel… The Loser heaves with unsavoury energy. Part of Seren's quietly impressive Literature in Translation series, this account of moral impotence and personal anguish is rendered with ugly, defiant vigour." Catherine Taylor, Guardian"The Loser is among the best new novels published this year… The Loser is not only bleak and bald but unexpectedly humorous and humble: not an easy tone to achieve, and one that emanates from a fresh and unique voice."Amanda Hopkinson, Independent"Kongoli shows that behind the oak of Kadare there is a forest of talent in this corner of the Balkans."Le Figaro"Flawless precision, beautifully elegiac scenes… Kongolis growling voice creates a dark and bitter novel." LireFatos Kongoli is one of the most forceful and convincing of contemporary Albanian novelists. He was born in the central Albanian town of Elbasan and raised in the capital, Tirana. As a young man he studied mathematics in China during the tense years of the Sino-Albanian alliance. Unlike other novelists Kongoli remained in Albania, though he also remained silent. His narrative talent and individual style emerged in the nineties, after the fall of the communist regime, as his telling and powerful narratives exposed the crimes it had visited upon the Albanian population.

This dictionary makes available for the first time a broad range of knowledge unknown or little-known to the western world, and indeed much information that is now lost to present-day Albanians. As such, it serves as a basic work of reference for readers and scholars specialising in the societies of the Balkans, th study of religious and anthropology. The presence of the Albanians in south-eastern Europe has been documented for about a thousand years. Originally a small herding community, with time, as well as innate vigour, unconsciousness persistence and much luck, they came to take their place among the nations of Europe. The historical, political and economic development of the Albanians has been arduous and only in one sense have they been rich, namely in the breadth and complexity of their traditional folk culture. Yet this culture remains little known in the western world, even among anthropologists and ethnographers specialising in the Balkans. Albanian folk culture and religion suffered dreadfully at the hands of the Stalinist regime of Enver Hoxha and this book seeks to reduce for posterity many practices and beliefs which were, or were nearly, extinguished during the years of isolation and repression. The author's work focuses on Albanian mythology, religious beliefs, religious communities, orders and sects; on saints and holy men who have had an impact on Albanian beliefs, cult sanctuaries, calendar feasts, rituals and popular superstitions; on birth, marriage and funeral customs, sexual mores, blood feuding an Albanian customary law; and on the three principal religions of the Albanians, including their unique local variants: Islam, especially Sufism; Orthodox Christianity; and Roman Catholicism.

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