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1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 2
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 3
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 4
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 5
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 6
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 7
1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies - Image 8

1994, Michalis Eftagonitis/Michalis Pieris, Arrosti Nisos, Ill Island, Rare Private Cyprus Poetry Edition, Lefkosia, 300 Copies

120.00€

An exceptionally rare privately printed poetry publication by Michalis Eftagonitis — the literary pseudonym of the distinguished Cypriot poet, academic, and theater director Michalis Pieris (1952–2021).

Titled Ill Island, this scarce edition was self-published in Lefkosia (Nicosia) in 1994 in an edition of only 300 copies, explicitly issued out of trade and intended for limited circulation.

The poem was initially written in Sweden and Venice in April 1994, subsequently revised in Lefkosia and Rethymno, and ultimately completed in Vitoria, in the Basque Country, in October 1994 — a geographical and intellectual journey reflected in the text’s deeply personal and political character.

In Ill Island, the poet delivers a powerful lament for his native Cyprus, criticizing what he perceives as the island’s moral and spiritual decline. Rather than merely attributing suffering to external forces or historical enemies, the poem confronts themes of collective responsibility, denial, greed, hatred, and the loss of truth, light, and cultural depth.

The work stands as an important example of late 20th-century Cypriot poetic and political expression, combining literary introspection with historical and cultural critique.

Michalis Pieris was among the most significant intellectual figures of modern Cyprus:

  • Professor of Modern Greek Literature at the University of Cyprus
  • Founder of the influential Theater Group of the University of Cyprus (THOPAK)
  • Poet, critic, playwright, and lyricist
  • A central figure in contemporary Cypriot letters and theater

Because of its extremely limited circulation, Ill Island is rarely encountered on the market.

Details

  • Author: Michalis Eftagonitis (pseudonym of Michalis Pieris)
  • Title: Ill Island
  • Place of Publication: Lefkosia (Nicosia)
  • Year: 1994
  • Edition: Private edition, out of trade
  • Limitation: 300 copies
  • Format: Softcover booklet
  • Pages: 8
  • Language: English

Condition

Good to very good condition.

  • Light handling and age-related wear
  • Interior clean and well preserved

Please refer carefully to the photographs for detailed condition assessment.

Literary Significance

This publication occupies a unique position within contemporary Cypriot literature, reflecting the intellectual and emotional tensions of post-1974 Cyprus through an intensely personal poetic voice.

Its rarity, limited circulation, and association with Michalis Pieris make it particularly desirable for collectors of:

  • Cypriot literature
  • political poetry
  • modern Greek literary movements
  • private press publications
  • Mediterranean intellectual history