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The historical events 20 years ago changed the world profoundly, as the end of the Cold War ushered in the democratization of the countries of Eastern Europe. Albania was also swept up in the wave of the regime critical movements, and with the overthrow of the communist government hopes for prosperity and freedom took root. Hans Peter Jost’s photographs of that time document a country marked by communism in the throes of change. They recall a time when there were no private automobiles on the streets, when horses transported goods and hu- man beings, when Coca-Cola and ATM’s were not yet part of the urban landscape and the house facades were not yet adorned with satellite dishes. The images of this time with its roots in the past are juxtaposed with photographs from the Albania of today. They underscore vividly the discrepancies between the dreams of 20 years ago and the reality of today.

The course of events since 1990 are further clarified in the essays by Christina Kleineidam; they are stories of injustice and corruption, from sacrosanct patriarchal traditions and concrete wastelands. The book ironically examines the progress portended by the change.

Images de Hans Peter Jost
Textes de Christina Kleineidam und Fatos Lubonja
Anglais / Albanais
280 pages
150 illustrations en coleur et 30 images en monochrome
17 x 24 cm, Hardcover
Euro 34.– (D) / 35.– (A) / CHF 42.–
ISBN 978-3-7165-1707-9