160.00€
A rare and historically significant first edition of Δάφναι και Μυρσίναι (Laurels and Myrtles) by Constantine N. Kallinikos (Κωνσταντίνος Ν. Καλλίνικος), published in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1937 by the prestigious Patriarchal Printing House of Alexandria.
This original copy is particularly desirable as it contains an authentic handwritten dedication and signature by the author.
A collection of poetry written and published within the vibrant intellectual environment of the Greek community of Alexandria, the volume represents an excellent example of Greek diaspora literature of the interwar period. It reflects the cultural activity of Hellenism in Egypt during one of the most important eras in the history of the Alexandrian Greek community.
Historical Context
During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Alexandria became one of the greatest centres of Hellenic culture outside Greece. Its Greek community supported a flourishing network of schools, literary societies, newspapers, publishers, and religious institutions.
The Patriarchal Printing House of Alexandria played an important role in preserving and promoting Greek-language scholarship, religious works, and literary publications. Books bearing its imprint are increasingly sought after by collectors interested in Alexandrian history, Greek diaspora printing, and Hellenic cultural heritage.
Published shortly before the major decline of the historic Greek presence in Egypt, this volume provides a tangible connection to that remarkable literary world.
About the Author
Constantine N. Kallinikos (Κωνσταντίνος Ν. Καλλίνικος) was a Greek writer, poet, theologian, and intellectual associated with the wider world of Greek letters.
His work belongs to the tradition of Greek literary production outside the borders of the modern Greek state, particularly the rich cultural environment of Alexandria, where Greek writers and scholars continued a long tradition of Hellenic expression.
Bibliographical Details
Author: Constantine N. Kallinikos
(Κωνσταντίνος Ν. Καλλίνικος)
Title: Δάφναι και Μυρσίναι
(Laurels and Myrtles)
Genre: Poetry
Edition: First edition
Publisher: Patriarchal Printing House of Alexandria
Place of publication: Alexandria, Egypt
Year: 1937
Language: Greek
Binding: Original publisher’s paper wrappers
Pages: 176
Dimensions: 21 cm × 14.5 cm
Special Features
First edition
Original publisher’s wrappers
Handwritten dedication by the author
Signed by the author
Complete copy
Printed by the historic Patriarchal Printing House of Alexandria
Title page bearing the characteristic Winged Lion printer’s device
Important example of interwar Greek diaspora publishing
Condition
Complete copy in its original publisher’s paper wrappers.
The covers show age-related wear, including edge wear, small chips, and minor creasing consistent with use and careful preservation.
The text block remains complete and well preserved.
The handwritten dedication and author’s signature remain clearly present.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.
Collectibility
Rare signed first edition of Greek poetry
Association copy with author’s inscription
Important Alexandrian Greek imprint
Produced by the Patriarchal Printing House of Alexandria
Valuable document of Greek cultural life in Egypt
Attractive for collectors of:
Greek literature
signed books
Alexandrian history
Greek diaspora publications
twentieth-century poetry
Hellenic bibliography
A scarce opportunity to acquire a signed first edition representing the literary and cultural heritage of the historic Greek community of Alexandria.
