High Albania

London: Virago Press, 1985 Book. Fine. Soft cover. Facsimile Reprint. Facsimile reprint of the original edition published by Edward Arnold in 1909, with an added introduction by John Hodgson. "The celebrated account of the late Victorian traveller who became a legend in her own lifetime through her extraordinary travels in the Balkans. Born in 1863, the daughter of a distinguished surgeon, Edith Durham began her career as an artist and illustrator. Following her doctor's orders after an illness and depression, she sailed to Montenegro and began a life-long love affair with the Balkans. In a letter she writes, "It occurred to me that the vexed question of Balkan politics might be solved by studying the manners and customs of each district, and so learning to whom each place should really belong." Thus she cheerfully started on her expeditions that, she was well aware, ignored the intrigues of the Great Powers who were actively encouraging the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire. This is a passionate and flamboyant account of her travels, particularly in the mountainous terrain of northern Albania, where she cut a strange figure in her waterproof skirt and Scotch plaid golf cape but won the trust of the people there." With an added introduction by John Hodgson. (xvi + 352p.) illus map. index.