The Albanianologist Robert Elsie passed away on October 2, 2017.

The German researcher of Canadian origin rummaged through the Albanian folklore, highlighting, before the world, the distinctive features of the nation over the centuries.

In fulfillment of his last bequest, Robert Elsie was buried in the middle of the Albanian Alps, in the tourist village of Theth, to which he dedicated one of his many books, proving for the last time his connection with Albania and Albanians.

The considerable work he left behind constitutes an interdisciplinary wealth, which includes the spiritual, cultural, historical and linguistic heritage of the Albanian people.

Elsie’s most important publications among his extensive research and scholarly activity are studies on ethnography, ethnology, anthropology, text philology, history of writing, linguistics, ethnoculture, oral and written literature, beliefs, cult and the scriptures. Among them we highlight:

“Migjeni, Freie Verse”, a German translation of the work of the poet of misery, Migjeni; “Anthology of modern Albanian poetry” (1993), an anthology of contemporary Albanian literature; “History of Albanian literature” (1995, 1997, 2001), history of Albanian literature; “Der Kanun” (2001), a translation of the Kanun; “Historical Dictionary of Albania” (2004, 2010), historical dictionary for Albania; “Historical Dictionary of Kosovo” (2004, 2011), historical dictionary of Kosovo; “Albanian literature: a short history” (2005, 2006), a short history of Albanian literature and “Historical Dictionary of Albania” (2011).

Elsie was a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo. In recognition of his contribution to the research of national values, he was awarded the honorary titles “Medal of Recognition” (2013) and the “Prizren Connection” Gold Medal.

/k.s/