Albanian authors dominate 2012 publications

TIRANA, April 23 – Quite surprisingly, Albanian authors dominated the publication list in 2012 with 370 books mainly in poetry, according to figures by the National Library unveiled on Tuesday April 23, the World Book and Copyright Day. Speaking at an event organized at the Faculty of Philology of the public University of Tirana, Dhurata Shehri, the head of the Literature Department said Albanian publications dominated over world literature last year. Some 1,675 books were published in Albania during 2012, 545 of which fiction ones.
Professors and writers identified lack of critique and failure to respect copyright as key issues in Albanian publications.
Culture Minister Visar Zhiti, who participated in another event at a private bookshop said the ministry would donate a series of Albanological books to some public libraries.
A book on Ali Pasha of Ioannina who dominated Albania and most of Greece during the Napoleonic period was promoted at an event organized by the National Library. The book by Greek academic Spiro Mela is brought into Albanian to shed light what foreign authors said about Ali Pasha. Some publications by foreign authors on Ali Pasha and some engravings were also displayed in an exhibition.
“Ali Pashe Tepelena as a product of the time of the ‘feudal anarchy’ carries almost all vices and virtues which charaterized that time,” said National Library director Aurel Plasari.
23 April is a symbolic date for world literature, since 23 April 1616 was the date of death of Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. 23 April is also the date of birth or death of other prominent authors such as Maurice Druon, K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel MejVallejo.
By celebrating this Day throughout the world, UNESCO seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright.
UNESCO has celebrated World Book and Copyright Day on 23 April for 17 years now.
“This day provides an opportunity to reflect together on ways to better disseminate the culture of the written word and to allow all individuals, men, women and children to access it, through literacy programmes and support for careers in publishing, book shops, libraries and schools. Books are our allies in spreading education, science, culture and information worldwide,” says Irina Bokova, Director General for World Book and Copyright Day 2013 in her message.