Traveler, Scholar, Political Adventurer

A Transylvanian Baron at the Birth of Albanian Independence: The memoirs of Franz Nopcsa

Häftad, Engelska, 2023

AvRobert Elsie,Robert Elsie

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The Austro-Hungarian aristocrat of Transylvanian origin, Baron Franz Nopcsa (1877-1933), was one of the most adventuresome travelers and scholars of Southeast Europe in the early decades of the twentieth century. He was also a paleontologist of renown and a noted geologist of the Balkan Peninsula : many of his assumptions have been confirmed by science. The Memoirs of this fascinating figure deal mainly with his travels in the Balkans, and specifically in the remote and wild mountains of northern Albania, in the years from 1903 to 1914. They thus cover the period of Ottoman Rule, the Balkan Wars and the outbreak of the First World War. Nopcsa was a keen adventurer who hiked through regions of northern Albania. With time, he became a leading expert in Albanian studies. He was also deeply involved in the politics of the period. In 1913, Nopcsa even offered himself as a candidate for the vacant Albanian throne. The Introduction also tells of Nopcsa's tragic death: he shot his Albanian secretary and partner before killing himself. The memoirs themselves reveal some references to his homosexuality for those who can read between the lines.

Produktinformation

Utgivningsdatum2023-03-31
Mått152 x 229 x 16 mm
Vikt460 g
FormatHäftad
SpråkEngelska
Antal sidor250
FörlagCentral European University Press
ISBN9789633861042
ÖversättareElsie, Robert

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Europas historia inom Historia och arkeologi

Robert Elsie is a writer, translator, interpreter, and specialist in Albanian studies. He is the author of over sixty books and countless articles on Albanian literature, history, and folk culture. The Austro-Hungarian aristocrat of Transylvanian origin, Baron Franz Nopcsa (1877–1933), was one of the most adventuresome travellers and scholars of south-eastern Europe in the early decades of the twentieth century. He was also a palaeontologist of renown and a noted geologist of the Balkan Peninsula.

"The book begins with Nopcsa describing his early travels in the Northern Albanian lands which he undertook in 1903, expanding on his impressions of the Albanian people but never losing sight of his scientific interests. The narration proceeds with Nopcsa becoming more and more active on the local political scene. His attempts to establish his influence in the area may be seen as organic to the Austro-Hungarian policy on Albanian aiming at consolidating Vienna’s power in the Western Balkans. Useful for those who want to familiarize themselves with Nopcsa as a historical figure and especially with his experiences in Albania, – even though those who read German will likely find it more profitable to read Elsie’s first edition of Nopcsa’s memoirs (2001). Both versions are valuable primary sources for those interested in the Austro-Hungarian presence in the Balkan Peninsula prior to the First World War."