165.00€
An exceptionally scarce first edition of Ο Κατσαντώνης και η Βασιλική (Kasantonis and Vassiliki), written by Αριστείδης Ν. Κυριακός (Aristeidis Kyriakos 1864–1919) and published by Αναγνωστόπουλος και Πετράκος (Anagnostopoulos & Petrakos), Athens in the 1910s (undated).
A substantial volume of 864 pages, richly illustrated throughout with numerous artistic plates, presenting one of the most ambitious historical novels devoted to two legendary figures of pre-Revolutionary Greece: Antonis Katsantonis and Vassiliki Kontaxi, the celebrated wife of Ali Pasha.
This edition appears to be considerably scarcer than the later 1971 reprint, with very few surviving examples encountered on the market.
Bibliographical Details
Author: Αριστείδης Ν. Κυριακός (Aristeidis Kyriakos 1864–1919)
Title: Ο Κατσαντώνης και η Βασιλική (Katsantonis and Vassiliki)
Publisher: Αναγνωστόπουλος και Πετράκος (Anagnostopoulos & Petrakos), Athens
Date: ca. 1910s (undated)
Edition: First edition
Language: Greek
Pages: 864
Binding: Contemporary hardcover binding
Illustrations: Numerous artistic illustrations throughout
Dimensions: 22 cm × 16 cm
About the Author
Aristeidis N. Kyriakos (1864–1919) was a Greek journalist, historian, playwright, publisher and one of the leading authors of popular historical and klephtic novels in the early twentieth century. A prominent representative of the Greek robber (klepht) novel, he also wrote under the pseudonyms Emilios Athinios and Mikes Santidis.
Kyriakos worked as a journalist for the influential newspaper Skrip, later becoming editor-in-chief of Chronos, and also published the newspaper Tachydromos. In addition to writing around eighteen plays, his historical novels enjoyed wide popularity and continued to be republished in serial and pamphlet form long after his death.
Historical Context
Blending history, legend and patriotic literature, this monumental novel brings together two of the most enduring figures of pre-Revolutionary Greece.
Antonis Katsantonis (c. 1775–1808), one of the most celebrated klepht leaders of the Agrafa mountains, became a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule through his campaigns against the forces of Ali Pasha. His dramatic capture and execution secured his place among the legendary precursors of the Greek War of Independence.
Alongside him stands Vassiliki Kontaxi, the Christian wife of Ali Pasha of Ioannina, remembered for her influence at his court, her charitable work, and her unique position in Greek historical tradition. Her life inspired numerous historians, artists and novelists, including Alexandre Dumas, who mentions her in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Drawing upon historical events and legendary tradition, Kyriakos creates an expansive historical epic that reflects the patriotic spirit of early twentieth-century Greece and remains one of the most substantial literary works dedicated to these iconic figures.
Condition
Contemporary hardcover binding.
Good antique condition.
Complete with all 864 pages.
Numerous illustrations throughout.
Expected age-related wear, light foxing and toning.
Binding sound and structurally solid.
Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description.
Collecting Interest
A genuinely scarce first edition, significantly rarer than the later 1971 reprint. Its combination of literary importance, historical subject matter, substantial size, and rich illustration makes it highly desirable for collectors of:
Greek literature
Greek history
The Greek War of Independence
Ali Pasha and Epirus
Klephtic literature
Early twentieth-century Greek publishing
Rare illustrated books
A scarce and impressive first edition by one of the principal authors of Greek historical popular fiction, preserving an important chapter of Greece’s literary and cultural heritage.
