In October-November 1936, the American public was first introduced to the epic story of the Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg, thanks to the illustrations of the renowned American illustrator J. Carroll Mansfield. A veteran of World War I in Europe, Mansfield made a unique contribution to the visual education of history through his famous “Highlights of History” series. This publication, published in the Sunday supplements of American newspapers, illustrated the story of the Albanian national hero through 23 illustrations, presenting Skanderbeg as a historical figure who led the Albanian resistance against the Ottoman Empire.
Born on January 4, 1899 in Baltimore, Maryland, James Carroll Mansfield developed a passion for history and drawing from an early age, inspired by a liberal environment and his parents, a successful merchant father and a Baptist-affiliated mother. His series, launched in 1924 and expanded with a color version in 1926, became a national hit, being promoted as a historical educational tool for millions of Americans. unlike traditional comic books. The first episode began the series with illustrations of the national hero, featuring Skanderbeg on a horse with the Albanian flag as a symbol of resistance, showing his origins, forced conversion to Islam, and escape from Ottoman rule to lead his people. The illustrations include a map of the Balkans for geographical context and scenes of conversations with the sultan, with vivid colors and rich detail that highlight historical costumes and landscapes.
The second part also focuses on early battles, showing Skanderbeg organizing resistance against the Ottomans and defending fortresses like Kruja. The illustrations include dynamic battle scenes and a map showing his movements in Albania, as well as moments of negotiations with enemies, with dark colors and contrasts emphasizing the drama of the battles.
The third part, dated November 8, 1936, continues with the resistance, showing Skanderbeg organizing attacks against Ottoman forces and the siege of Kruja. The illustrations include scenes of military strategies, a map of the controlled areas and mountainous landscapes of Albania and his victories.
Mansfield, through his detailed illustrations and understandable texts, made Skanderbeg known to American readers, contributing to the dissemination of world history through an innovative visual format for the time.
