Mal Berisha, the former Albanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom and a well-known historian, has translated the book The Mountains of Giants into Albanian for the first time. This influential study, originally conducted by American anthropologist Carlton Coon, focuses on the people and culture of Northern Albania.
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| The cover of the book "The Mountains of Giants" by the by American anthropologist Carlton Coon translatet into Albanian by Mal Berisha |
The book’s Albanian launch took place with the attendance of prominent figures in Albanian art and culture, where Berisha highlighted the book's significance for Albanian language and heritage. Avni Ponari, the main supporter of this project, praised the work for its potential to inspire researchers and young people eager to learn more about Albania’s history. “This work will have a great impact on Albanian researchers, students, and anthropology enthusiasts,” Ponari noted.
Scholars see The Mountains of Giants as an essential text for Albanian studies and anthropology, filling a knowledge gap of over 70 years. Coon’s detailed examination of Albania’s Northern population emphasizes the historical complexity and diversity of the Albanian people.
In 1929-1930, Coon spent significant time in Northern Albania, where he studied over 1,067 individuals across ten regions. His research included an in-depth analysis of physical anthropology, as well as cultural, religious, and demographic insights, offering a comprehensive view of Northern Albanian life.
This book brings Coon's unique findings to Albanian audiences, enriching the study of Albania’s rich anthropological heritage.