Yannis Ritsos (Repetitions, Testimonies, Parentheses) - Yannis Ritsos

Publisher Princeton University Press - Yannis Ritsos (Repetitions, Testimonies, Parentheses) - Yannis Ritsos

Description:

A Master of Greek Poetry
Yannis Ritsos, one of Greece’s most celebrated modern poets, stands alongside C. P. Cavafy and George Seferis as a defining voice in 20th-century European poetry. In this remarkable collection, Ritsos transforms the "simple things" of life into profound reflections on the human condition, laden with subtle nuances and hidden depths.

From Everyday to Eternal
These shorter poems uncover a world where mundane events veil deeper existential and societal truths. They oscillate between the oppressive and the idyllic, blending lyrical interludes with poignant recreations of Greek mythology and history. Ritsos masterfully evokes the tensions of modern life while maintaining a reverence for Greece's rich cultural heritage.

Poetry in Exile
A significant portion of these works were written during Ritsos's forced exile under Greece's military dictatorship, a testament to his resilience and artistry even in oppressive circumstances. His voice remains a beacon of courage and defiance, securing his place among the greatest European poets of the 20th century.

A Comprehensive Anthology
Translated by Edmund Keeley, a distinguished interpreter of modern Greek poetry, this anthology includes selections from seven of Ritsos’s collections spanning the years 1946 to 1975. Two volumes make their English debut here, while others are newly revisited or reintroduced after years out of print. Together, they represent three decades of Ritsos's prolific and profoundly influential career.