Albanian Identities: Myth and History

''... a pioneering effort in English-language studies on Albania.'' -- Nicholas C. Pano

Albanian history is permeated by myths and mythical narratives that often serve political purposes, from the depiction of the legendary ''founder of the nation,'' Skanderbeg, to the exploits of the KLA in the recent Kosovo War. The essays in Albanian Identities, by a multinational, multidisciplinary team of scholars and non-academic specialists, deconstruct prevalent political or historiographical myths about Albania's past and present, bringing to light the ways in which Albanian myths have served to justify and direct violence, buttress political power, and foster internal cohesion. Albanian Identities demonstrates the power of myths to this day, as they underpin political and social processes in crisis-ridden, post-totalitarian Albania.