Area Handbook for Albania   By: James M. Moore

Area Handbook for Albania by James M. Moore provides a comprehensive and objective account of Albania's socio-political and economic landscape. As part of a series of country-specific handbooks, this book serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking an in-depth understanding of Albania.

Moore's writing style is concise yet informative, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The handbook covers a vast range of topics, including geography, history, culture, economy, politics, and foreign relations. Each chapter is meticulously researched and presents a balanced view of the subject matter, drawing on a variety of sources to paint a comprehensive picture of Albania.

One of the book's strongest points is its exploration of Albanian history. Moore delves into the nation's ancient beginnings, tracing its evolution through the Byzantine, Ottoman, and communist eras, up to the present day. This detailed historical background allows readers to appreciate the context behind Albania's current political and social landscape.

Moreover, the handbook delves into almost every aspect of Albanian society. From examining the country's folklore and cultural traditions to highlighting its diverse religious landscape, Moore provides an insightful analysis of Albania's people and their way of life. This holistic approach ensures that readers gain a well-rounded understanding of the nation.

Furthermore, the handbook does not shy away from discussing the challenges and controversies that Albania faces. Issues such as corruption, organized crime, and political instability are addressed, providing an honest appraisal of the country's obstacles. Importantly, Moore also explores Albania's aspirations for EU membership and its ongoing efforts to improve governance and combat corruption.

However, while Area Handbook for Albania excels in its breadth and depth of coverage, some readers may find the level of detail overwhelming. The amount of information presented can sometimes make it challenging to navigate the book and locate specific topics of interest. Additionally, although efforts have been made to ensure the handbook's accuracy, the rapidly evolving nature of countries can lead to certain sections becoming outdated.

Overall, Area Handbook for Albania is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking a detailed understanding of Albania's history, culture, politics, and economy. James M. Moore's thorough research and balanced approach make this book an essential read for scholars, researchers, journalists, or anyone with a keen interest in Albania. Despite minor drawbacks, the handbook's wealth of information and insightful analysis make it a valuable addition to any reference collection.

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This volume is one of a series of handbooks prepared by Foreign Area Studies (FAS) of The American University, designed to be useful to military and other personnel who need a convenient compilation of basic facts about the social, economic, political, and military institutions and practices of various countries. The emphasis is on objective description of the nation's present society and the kinds of possible or probable changes that might be expected in the future. The handbook seeks to present as full and as balanced an integrated exposition as limitations on space and research time permit. It was compiled from information available in openly published material. An extensive bibliography is provided to permit recourse to other published sources for more detailed information. There has been no attempt to express any specific point of view or to make policy recommendations... Continue reading book >>