ΑΝΤΙΔΩΡΟ / ANTIDORO (Reciprocal Gift)
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Autor:
ANGELOS SIKELIANOS
Country:
Greece (GR)
Book Theme:
Poets representing your country poetry
Publisher:
IKAROS
Publishing Year:
2003
Angelos Sikelianos was a Greek poet, playwright, and essayist, regarded as one of Greece’s most significant 20th-century literary figures. Born in Lefkada, he developed a poetic style blending nationalism, spirituality, and ancient Greek ideals. His works, including The Light-Shadowed and Delphic Hymn, reflect his vision of universal harmony and cultural revival. With his wife, Eva Palmer, he organized the Delphic Festivals (1927, 1930) to promote ancient Greek traditions. He left a lasting impact on Greek poetry, combining lyrical intensity with deep philosophical and historical themes. Although occasionally his grandiloquence blunts the poetic effect of his work, some of Sikelianos finer lyrics are among the best in Western literature.
National Award for Children’s and Young People’s
Abstract
Αντίδωρο is a significant work by the esteemed Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos. Published in 1943, this collection serves as a retrospective anthology, encompassing a selection of Sikelianos’s poetry that spans his extensive literary career. The title, translating to “Reciprocal Gift,” reflects the poet’s intention to offer his profound reflections and artistic expressions as a gift to his readers, encapsulating themes central to his oeuvre.
Within Αντίδωρο, Sikelianos revisits recurring motifs such as the profound connection between humanity and nature, the spiritual essence of Greek heritage, and the quest for universal harmony. The anthology not only showcases his lyrical prowess but also provides insight into his philosophical contemplations on existence, divinity, and the human condition.
In the epilogue of the collection, Sikelianos articulates his vision of a unified poetic corpus, emphasizing the interconnectedness of his works and the overarching themes that bind them. This reflection offers readers a deeper understanding of his artistic journey and the evolution of his poetic voice.
Αντίδωρο stands as a testament to Sikelianos’s enduring legacy in modern Greek literature, inviting readers to engage with the rich tapestry of his poetic explorations and the timeless themes that resonate throughout his work.
