Translated by Lili Bita and Robert Zaller

Poetry by one of modern Greece's most important poets with an unwavering commitment to human values.

About the Author:

Nikiforos Vrettakos, together with George Seferis, Odysseus Elytis, and Yannis Ritsos, is a member of the Generation of the Thirties that produced modern Greece's most important poets. A Nobel Prize nominee and the winner of many national and international awards, he was a steadfast witness to the turbulent history of his time over a sixty-year career. His unwavering commitment to human values makes him a uniquely significant voice in twentieth century letters.

About the Translators:

Robert Zaller is Professor of History at Drexel University. His translations of modern Greek poetry have appeared in numerous journals and publications. His honors include a Guggenheim fellowship.

Lili Bita is a distinguished Greek poet, playwright, and actress. Her work has been translated into several languages and has been widely anthologized.

Praise for the poetry of Vrettakos:

Every time I read the poems of Nikiforos Vrettakos, I am convinced that man's inner balance can be restored.

Stelios Geranis, author and critic

[Vrettakos’ is] the purest singing voice, Shelley's skylark in a joyous outburst of praise for nature, woman, the innate goodness in the heart of man.

Kimon Friar, poet and translator

Praise for this translation:

I would like to emphasize the sheer beauty of the translations, which ring out not only in lyrically compelling fashion but as incisively truthful.

Anthony Molino, award-winning translator