Albania is the least-known and least developed country in Europe. It has
a long, rich and troubled past, characterised by unrest and
isolationism. Today, very little is known of its people - beyond those
who have emigrated to other countries in Europe - and its landscapes
have remained virtually untravelled for centuries. Determined to
discover the country behind the stereotypes and preconceptions, Robin
Hanbury-Tenison and his wife Louella rode across Albania, from Thethi in
the north to the border with Greece in the south. Following in the
footsteps of Byron, Edward Lear and Edith Durham they crossed some of
the most wild and arrestingly beautiful landscape in Europe. Through
soaring mountain ranges and hidden valleys dotted with Illyrian, Roman
and Byzantine ruins they lived simply; staying in the homes of
communities untouched by the 21st century and in towns bursting with
artistic creativity. They discovered an ancient land, proud and fiercely
independent, struggling to emerge from the darkness of repression and
poverty and from the shadows of its more popular neighbours.
Land of Eagles is the story of a lyrical and dramatic journey, peppered
with adventure and mishap, discovery and unexpected encounters. Adorned
with the history, legends and literature of Albania and with the tales
of past travellers, it is a luminous portrait of this mysterious and
eccentric country, which has for too long been forgotten by Europe.
