Giorgos Seferis: The Nobel Prize-winning poet

·

By Victoria Loutas

Giorgos Seferis was the first Greek poet to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. We take a look back at his incredible life.

Early Life:

Seferis was born in 1900 in Smyrna Greece. He attended school in Smyrna before his family settled in Athens in 1914 to escape the devastation of World War 1. 

His family later moved to Paris in 1918, where Seferis would go on to study Law at the University of Paris and discover his passion for literature. 

Literature work:

In 1926, Seferis was appointed Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, a role in which he served until 1931, when he was appointed to the Greek Consulate in London. He later held post in Albania from 1936 to 1938.

His international travels and connection to Greece were the inspiration for much of Seferis’ writing, which is filled with themes of isolation, wandering and death. 

He began writing his early poetry in 1931, which consisted of Strophe (turning point). His mature poetry explores the sense of awareness, particularly of Greece’s great past. 

Photo: Greek News Agenda

In addition to writing poetry, Seferis published a book of essays (Dokimes) in 1961. He also published a collection of his work and translations of works by T.S Eliot and other French, English and American poets entitled Antigrafes (copies) in 1965. 

In 1963, Seferis was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature, demonstrating the impact and success of his poetic career. 

Death and Legacy:

In 1969, Seferis publicly took a stand against the Dictatorship of the Colonels in Greece. His funeral, on September 20, 1971 was turned into a mass demonstration against the military government. 

Seferis’ contributions to diplomacy and to the art of literature will always be remembered and cherished.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet TIFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

Out from the White Tower’s shadow: A subversive guide to Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki isn’t trying to impress you, and that’s exactly why it does. Its people carry the kind of warmth that isn’t put on for tourists.

You May Also Like

How Ancient Greek letters were carved on a rock in Central Asia

Archaeologists have come across a rare discovery in the natural landscape of Tajikistan, finding ancient Greek letters carved on a rock.

The human feeling: Volunteers in Monastiraki give back with ‘Ithaca Laundry’

In this quicksand of everyday life, an idea that was born in Australia, adopted in Greece and now remains viable.

Connie Kalathas reflects on her breast cancer battle and not knowing if she’d survive

“I didn’t know if I'd survive. That was my biggest fear," Connie Kalathas tells The Greek Herald as she shares her breast cancer battle.