180.00€
A rare first edition of Κωνσταντίνος ο Μέγας (Constantine the Great), published in Athens by Difros in 1957, by one of the foremost representatives of twentieth-century Greek modernist literature, Kosmas Politis (1888–1974).
This exceptional copy bears an original handwritten presentation inscription and signature by Kosmas Politis, personally dedicated to the distinguished poet and writer Kostas Kontos (1914–1979) of Mytilene (Lesvos), creating an outstanding literary association copy linking two important figures of modern Greek letters.
Association copies connecting prominent literary personalities are considerably scarcer than ordinary signed copies and are especially prized by collectors of modern literature.
Bibliographical Details
Author: Kosmas Politis (1888–1974)
Title: Κωνσταντίνος ο Μέγας (Constantine the Great)
Publisher: Difros
Place of Publication: Athens
Year: 1957
Edition: First Edition
Language: Greek
Binding: Original publisher’s soft binding with original illustrated dust jacket
Pages: 174
Dimensions: 22 cm × 15 cm
An Important Work by a Modern Greek Master
Kosmas Politis occupies a central position in twentieth-century Greek literature and is regarded as one of the pioneers of literary modernism in Greece.
Best known internationally for Eroica (Ἐρόικα), Politis combined psychological insight, lyrical prose, and innovative narrative techniques that profoundly influenced subsequent generations of Greek writers.
Published during the mature period of his career, Constantine the Great reflects Politis’ continuing engagement with history, identity, and the Byzantine legacy, interpreted through his distinctive literary voice.
Literary Provenance
This copy bears a contemporary presentation inscription from Kosmas Politis to Kostas Kontos, the respected poet, writer, and intellectual from Mytilene (Lesvos).
Such presentation copies provide a tangible link between members of Greece’s mid-twentieth-century literary community and possess historical significance beyond ordinary signed editions.
For collectors of association copies, provenance of this nature substantially enhances the book’s appeal.
About Kosmas Politis
Kosmas Politis (1888–1974) is considered among the leading figures of the celebrated “Generation of the 1930s,” the movement that reshaped modern Greek literature through the introduction of European modernist techniques.
His novels remain landmarks of Greek prose and continue to be studied for their stylistic innovation and psychological depth.
Today, first editions bearing his original inscriptions are seldom encountered on the international market.
Condition
Very good overall vintage condition.
Preserved in its original illustrated dust jacket, featuring the striking Byzantine double-headed eagle motif.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Collector’s Note
Signed first editions by Kosmas Politis are uncommon.Presentation copies dedicated to fellow writers are considerably scarcer and represent an especially desirable category of literary provenance.
This copy combines several qualities sought by collectors:
First Edition
Original dust jacket
Presentation inscription
Association copy
Important Modern Greek author
Excellent literary provenance
An outstanding acquisition for collectors of twentieth-century literature, signed books, Greek modernism, and association copies.
