On This Day in 1926: Greek poet, Nikos Karouzos, was born

·

Nikos Karouzos is considered one of the foremost Greek poets of the twentieth century. To mark the occasion of his birth, we take a look back at his life and poetic achievements.

Early Life:

Nikos Karouzos was born on July 17, 1926, in Nafplio.

In 1944, he completed his high school studies in Nafplio and later joined EPON Nafplio (the United Panhellenic Organisation of Youth).

In 1945, he was admitted to the Law School of Athens. Just one year later, he escaped arrest and execution by Organisation X and was exiled for five months to Ikaria.

Nikos Karouzos was born on July 17, 1926, in Nafplio.

Poetry:

In 1949, Karouzos left his studies in Law to devote himself to poetry and began collaborating with various literary magazines publishing poems and other short texts, such as Athenian Letters, Art Review, Nea Estia, Responsibility, Border and Diagonal. 

Between 1954 and 1990, he published more than twenty poetry collections.

In 1961, he was awarded the 2nd State Poetry Prize and in 1962, the 1st Poetry Prize of the Group of Twelve.

Karouzos also wrote literary criticism and essays on the theatre and art.

His collected works were published between 1993 and 2002 by Ikaros in Athens: Poems I in 1993; Poems II in 1994; his Selected Prose in 1998; and Interviews with Nikos Karouzos in 2002.

Between 1954 and 1990, Karouzos published more than twenty poetry collections.

Death and Legacy:

Karouzos died in Athens on September 28, 1990.

In 1993, a major Symposium on Karouzos was held at Athens University, the proceedings of which were published by Ikaros in 1996.

In 2000, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of his death, a second Symposium, again organised by Ikaros, was held there.

He left an amazing legacy of poetry behind, which many still study and analyse today to try and decipher their true meaning.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

How Sydney’s diaspora shaped Consul General Yannis Mallikourtis’ vision of Greece

As Yannis Mallikourtis concludes his three-year term as Consul General of Greece in Sydney, he departs with vivid memories.

Cyprus Community of NSW to hold members meeting amid legal questions over property sale

The Cyprus Community of NSW has invited members to an information session on Stanmore property sale and next steps.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney farewells Greek Consul General

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a farewell dinner at China Doll Restaurant in Woolloomooloo to honour outgoing Greek Consul General.

Cypriots of SA discuss pathways forward in forum on the Cyprus Problem

Continuing through a period of remembrance, following the community’s commemoration of 51st anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA pays tribute to Cyprus’ fallen heroes

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) commemorated the 51st anniversary of the 1974 Cyprus tragedy on Sunday, 20 July.

You May Also Like

Greek Orthodox Churches in NSW use live streams to bring services into our homes

Local Greek Orthodox Parishes across Sydney are doing what they need to ensure their local community can participate with the Church services from the comfort of their own homes, in an era of ‘social distancing’.

George Calombaris bans diner for ‘racist’ review of Melbourne restaurant

Celebrity chef, George Calombaris, publicly responded on Instagram to a negative about his restaurant, The Hellenic House Project.

NSW Government take steps to fix cemeteries mess

The NSW Government has begun addressing the challenges around cemeteries and crematoria policy inherited from the previous government.