About the Subject of the Lecture

The poetry written in Greek during the 20th Century is among the finest poetry written anywhere in the world. This is a remarkable achievement for a language that is spoken by, at most, fifteen million people. The poetry of Cavafy, Kazantzakis, Seferis, Elytis and Ritsos has been translated into many languages to great critical acclaim. This worldwide interest culminated in two Nobel Prizes - Seferis in 1963 and Elytis in 1979.

All these poets were born either before 1900 or at the beginning of the century and did their best in the first half of the century. What has been happening in Greek poetry during the second half of the century? What is the quality of the poetry written by poets now in their fifties or younger? Are there any original and powerful poetic voices publishing today in Greece? Dino Siotis, is a distinguished poet himself, a publisher, and through his literary magazines, a promoter of Modern Greek Literature in the English speaking world. He will discuss the younger generation of poets and read their poems in English translation.