Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 - 1957)
Nikos Kazantzakis was one of the most important Greek writers, poets and philosophers of the 20th century. He was born in Iraklion, Crete in 1883. In 1906 he graduated from the Athens Law School and continued his studies in Paris (1907-1909). During the Balkan Wars he fought as a volunteer in the Greek Army. After the Wars he travelled to many European and Asian countries, publishing travelogues from his trips (Spain, Egypt-Sinai, China-Japan, What I saw in Russia, England etc.).
Kazantzakis became famous, however, during the last years of his life, when he began writing novels. His most celebrated works were written in the language of the Cretan working classes. His best-known novel, Zorba the Greek, was made into a popular and highly successful movie (1964). The story focuses on the relationship of a writer and intellectual, and an uneducated man, Zorba. He also published, among other novels, The Last Temptation of Christ, Freedom and Death, The Greek Passion (O Hristos ksanastauronetai), and his autobiography Report to Greco. His book, The Last Temptation of Christ, was considered quite controversial when first published in 1955. On the 28th of June 1956, in Vienna, he was awarded the International Peace Award.
He died in 1957 in Germany and is buried on the Martinego bastion of the Venetian fort surrounding the city of Iraklion, Crete.
Check that you understand what these words mean in this document
Novel: a book about imaginary people and events.
Celebrated: famous.
Controversial: causing disagreement.
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Nikos Kazantzakis
The Nikos Kazantzakis Rooms-Historical Museum of Crete |
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