Nobody’s Kingdom: A History of Northe Albania

by: T.J. Winnifrith (Author),Foreword by James Pettifer(Author)

Publisher: Signal Books Ltd

Publication Date: 26 Nov. 2020

Language: English

Print Length: 240 pages

ISBN-10: 1909930911

ISBN-13: 9781909930919

Book Description

The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, foreign invasion, communism and tribal conflict: these have been the realities of life in Northe Albania for centuries. In this rich and comprehensive history, Tom Winnifrith examines the many different elements that have shaped this independent and little-known region of the Balkans. He explores the fundamental division between the South of Albania and its mysterious, romantic North – more feudal, more tribal, more Catholic and more prone to Austrian and Italian influence. It is also a region less affected by Greece, both ancient and mode, and by medieval Byzantium or the Orthodox faith. Northe Albania, with a terrain and climate much harsher than the south of the country, has traditionally had little respect for law and authority while its inhabitants remain in thrall to an ancient honour code — the kanun — demanding blood feuds and terrible revenge. Nobody’s Kingdom traces the history of this ruggedly beautiful region, frequently disturbed by both invaders and inteal strife yet retaining a distinct national identity and character. From its origins in the ancient kingdom of Illyria and the Roman province of Illyricum, through Byzantine and Ottoman rule, the granting of Albanian independence in 1912, the rise and fall of communism to its current fragile democracy, Northe Albania can be seen as a cultural crossroads – especially remarkable given its mountainous and difficult landscape. This book, both scholarly and readable, is the first mode comprehensive history of Northe Albania and is a timely and accessible introduction to a remote and inaccessible region.
The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, foreign invasion, communism and tribal conflict: these have been the realities of life in Northe Albania for centuries. In this rich and comprehensive history, Tom Winnifrith examines the many different elements that have shaped this independent and little-known region of the Balkans. He explores the fundamental division between the South of Albania and its mysterious, romantic North – more feudal, more tribal, more Catholic and more prone to Austrian and Italian influence. It is also a region less affected by Greece, both ancient and mode, and by medieval Byzantium or the Orthodox faith. Northe Albania, with a terrain and climate much harsher than the south of the country, has traditionally had little respect for law and authority while its inhabitants remain in thrall to an ancient honour code — the kanun — demanding blood feuds and terrible revenge. Nobody’s Kingdom traces the history of this ruggedly beautiful region, frequently disturbed by both invaders and inteal strife yet retaining a distinct national identity and character. From its origins in the ancient kingdom of Illyria and the Roman province of Illyricum, through Byzantine and Ottoman rule, the granting of Albanian independence in 1912, the rise and fall of communism to its current fragile democracy, Northe Albania can be seen as a cultural crossroads – especially remarkable given its mountainous and difficult landscape. This book, both scholarly and readable, is the first mode comprehensive history of Northe Albania and is a timely and accessible introduction to a remote and inaccessible region.