An account of a country which has experienced a turbulent history & decades of isolation. The last few years have brought unprecedented change to the entire Albanian political system, with the establishment of diplomatic relations with over 100 states by 1987; the collapse of communism & the progression to multi-party elections (first in April 1991 & again in March 1992); & the upheaval that followed the March 1997 uprising. This book traces the modern history of Albania from the end of the Ottoman period. It takes in the beginning of the Albanian national movement; the first Balkan war; the World War I occupation of Albanian territory; independence; the rule of King Zogu; the formation of the Albanian Communist Party; Enver Hoxha & the formation of the provisional government under his leadership; the link with Tito & Yugoslavia; the break with Tito & the relationship with the Soviet Union; the rift with Moscow & the link with China; the death of Hoxha in 1985; the succession of Ramiz Alia; the process of gradual reform; the 1991 elections & the victory of the PLA (the Communist Party); the collapse of the coalition government later that year; & the victory of the ADP (the Albanian Democratic Party) the following year. Newly revised for this edition, The Albanians considers the gradual process of reform & the fragility of the Albanian experiment with democracy, &

Includes:: a dramatic account of the days leading up to Sali Berisha's resignation of the presidency. The text has also been updated to cover the crisis in Kosova that has led to the first Western war in Europe since 1945.

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The Albanians in the Xenophobe guide series; consisting of a range of pocket-sized guides which take a humorous & irreverent approach to a wide range of world cultures. Each guide explores the characteristics of a country’s people in a series of dedicated sections, encompassing nationalism & identity, behaviour, manners, character, obsessions, beliefs & values, leisure & pleasure, culture, custom & tradition, business, systems, health & hygiene, crime & punishment, government & bureaucracy, conversation & gestures & language. Written in a wholly irreverent style, Xenophobes guides attempt to forewarn readers of the main stereotypes & foibles that are associated with individual nationalities. ...

In twelfth century Languedoc a subversive heresy of Eastern origin flourished to an extraordinary degree. The Albingenses believed that the world was created by an evil spirit, & that all worldly things
- including the Church
- were by nature sinful. Jonathan Sumption`s acclaimed history examines the roots of the heresy, the uniquely rich culture of the region which nurtured it, & the crusade launched against it by the Church which resulted in one of the most savage of all medieval wars.

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A global phenomenon, The Alchemist has been read & loved by over 62 million readers, topping bestseller lists in 74 countries worldwide. Now this magical fable is beautifully repackaged in an edition that lovers of Paulo Coelho will want to treasure forever. Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. This is such a book
- a beautiful parable about learning to listen to your heart, read the omens strewn along life`s path &, above all, follow your dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home & his flock. One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. The people he meets along the way, the things he sees & the wisdom he learns are life-changing. With Paulo Coelho`s visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism & folklore, The Alchemist is a story with the power to inspire nations & change people`s lives.
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A global phenomenon, The Alchemist has been read & loved by over 62 million readers, topping bestseller lists in 74 countries worldwide. Now this magical fable is beautifully repackaged in an edition that lovers of Paulo Coelho will want to treasure forever. Every few decades a book is published that changes the lives of its readers forever. This is such a book
- a beautiful parable about learning to listen to your heart, read the omens strewn along life`s path &, above all, follow your dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home & his flock. One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. The people he meets along the way, the things he sees & the wisdom he learns are life-changing. With Paulo Coelho`s visionary blend of spirituality, magical realism & folklore, The Alchemist is a story with the power to inspire nations & change people`s lives.
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This is the story of a now-disused branch of the Underground between Holborn & Aldwych. Although just a quarter of a mile long, it was a hopeless enterprise from the early 20th century beginnings & never covered its costs. For such a small stretch of railway, it has a surprisingly colourful history, especially during wartime & when its lengthy disused spaces have been used for experimental design work & film jobs. In an attempt to make something more of it, extension of the branch frequently beckoned but never came. The station at Aldwych & the running line to Holborn remain today, but not for passengers. ...

An inspiring collection of recipes from one of the world`s oldest cities. It is hardly surprising that Aleppo, one of the world`s oldest inhabited cities, is also home to one of the world`s most distinguished & vibrant cuisines. Surrounded by fertile lands & located at the end of the Silk Road, Aleppo was a food capital long before Paris, Rome or New York. Here, one of the Arab world`s most renowned chefs unlocks the secrets to this distinctive cuisine. Featuring over 200 irresistible regional recipes, such as Chili & Garlic Kebab, Syrian Fishcakes, Semolina & Butter Pudding & the queen of the mezze table, Red Pepper & Walnut Spread, The Aleppo Cookbook is a beautiful introduction to the Syrian table. ...

Lawrence Durrell was one of the best-selling, most celebrated English novelists of the late 20th century. ” The Alexandria Quartet” is unquestionably his most admired work, at heart a sensuous & brilliant evocation of wartime Alexandria. In this world of corrupt glamour, L.G. Darley attempts to reconcile himself to the end of his affair with the dark, passionate Justine Hosnani
- setting alight a beguiling exploration of sexual & political intrigue that the author himself described as `an investigation of modern love`.
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This Penguin Classic edition of ” The Alexiad” has been revised to replace the original 1969 edition. The Alexiad is the first European narrative history written by a woman; an account of the reign of a Byzantine Emperor through the eyes & words of his daughter, it offers an unparalleled view of the Byzantine world in the 11th & 12th centuries.A truly classic historical narrative. ...

The Alhambra, one of the most-visited places in Spain, was declared a Monument in 1870, shortly after the enactment of Spain`s first Monuments Law. Long before that, however, it was the subject of interest of all the travellers visiting the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. In 1984 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site, a well-deserved recognition of its interesting historical, aesthetic & natural treasures. The Monumental Complex
- which comprises the area enclosed by its walls, the land where the Generalife is located, & the large surrounding area where there are buildings as well as the remains of other constructions historically associated with the Alhambra
- is a unique place in the world. Not only does the Monument never disappoint those who visit it, visitors take away with them the feeling of needing to visit it again & again.

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