The Greek Current

The man behind the verse: A new look at Cavafy

Episode Summary

Today Constantine Cavafy is a world renowned poet, whose work has inspired countless readers. But who was the man behind the poetry? That's what the first biography of Cavafy in around 50 years looks to answer. Professors Gregory Jusdanis and Peter Jeffreys, the authors of the book, join Thanos Davelis as we take a deeper dive into the life and work of Cavafy.

Episode Notes

Constantine Cavafy, the Greek poet whose work not only charted a new path for Greek poetry, but also inspired countless readers around the world - including figures like David Hockney, Leonard Cohen, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis - is back in the spotlight thanks to the publication of his first biography in roughly 50 years. Professors Gregory Jusdanis and Peter Jeffreys, the authors of the book, join Thanos Davelis as we take a deeper dive into the life and work of Constantine Cavafy.

For those who are interested, the book is available for purchase in the US and the UK, and is expected in early October in Greece as well.

You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:

Constantine Cavafy: A New Biography

Alexandrian Sphinx: The Hidden Life of Constantine Cavafy

‘Constantine Cavafy’ Review: A Poet’s Odyssey Within

The mysterious life of Constantine Cavafy

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