Synopses & Reviews
Dora d'Istria was a distinguished Albanian-Romanian aristocrat whose unusual and stimulating ideas offer a fascinating perspective on 19th-century European life. She was born into the ruling family of Romania, married a Russian duke and moved in the uppermost circles of society, counting Longfellow as her correspondent among many other eminent literary figures. Her wealth and connections enabled her to pursue her interest in European cultural history and she was passionate about the history of her native-land, Albania. She was fluent in several languages and this book vividly demonstrates her dedication to many good causes, including women's rights and Albanian nationalism.
Published in English for the first time, The Land of the Thunderbolt Mountains showcases D'Istria's writings about Albania. Through the medium of songs and folklore, d'Istria analyses an overlooked but important aspect of Eastern European history - the theme of nationality and the role of women in its development - and examines in detail the role of Albanian women in different regions of the country, from an original female perspective. Beautifully written, The Land of the Thunderbolt Mountains is a treat for everyone interested in the history of the Balkans and Albania.
About the Author
Dora d'Istria (the pen name of Elena Ghika) was born in Bucharest in 1828 into the ruling family of Romania, which originated in Albania. She was the author of numerous books, written mainly in French and Italian, including La Suisse Allemande, Les Femmes en Orient, Excursions en Roumélie et en Morée and La poésie des Ottomans. She travelled widely in both Europe and the United States until her death in 1888.
Table of Contents
The Eastern Peninsula
The Albanians
The Ghegs
The Tosks
The Tchams
The Liapes (from 'Les Femmes en Orient' (Women of the East) Zurich, 1859)
The Albanian Nationality - As Depicted in Popular Songs (from Revue des Deux Mondes (Two Worlds Review), Volume 63, Paris,1866)
The Albanian Muslims - Scutari e i Buchatli (from Nuovo Antologia, May 1868)
The Albanian Muslims - II - Berat e Janina (from Nuovo Antologia, December 1870)