Discover more about Zakynthos Flower of the East
Zakynthos Flower of the East is a non-fiction history book about Zakynthos in Greece.
The book covers the island history from myth to present, as well as the landscape and geology, culture, and tradition.
It's perfect for history fans, as well as those who love Zakynthos and travelling to Greece.
The book covers the island history from myth to present, as well as the landscape and geology, culture, and tradition.
It's perfect for history fans, as well as those who love Zakynthos and travelling to Greece.
Zakynthos Flower of the East, Book Description
Publication date to be confirmed
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"Loved by poets, visited by travellers, fought over for centuries."
Throughout its history, Zakynthos has faced numerous changes and events. Once a wealthy and important island for traders and travellers. It has also been home to notable artists, musicians, and poets who left their mark on the island's unique culture. The island's location, in a seismically active region, has led to some devastating earthquakes, causing significant destruction and loss of life. In addition to natural disasters, Zakynthos has endured occupations by various foreign nations, plundered by pirates, and invaded during the Second World War. Each of these challenges has left its mark, but Zakynthos has continued to grow and evolve, and its remarkable history has shaped it into the island it is today. The book "Zakynthos: Flower of the East" offers a comprehensive account of the island’s tumultuous past and the people who have inhabited it. While modern visitors may only scratch the surface of Zakynthos's rich history, the book serves as a reminder of the island's enduring legacy. Through its pages, readers can learn more about the resilience and cultural heritage that has defined Zakynthos, ensuring that the stories of those who came before us are never forgotten. |
Zakynthos Flower of the East Interview
Q: What inspired you and Louise to write Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: I have always been interested in history and when I wrote Among the Olive Groves, I was surprised at how little information was immediately available about Zakynthos’ history. When asking people about it, they said that nothing existed nowadays due to the Great Ionian Earthquake in 1953. So I decided to write something, but Knew it was something I couldn't do alone, so I asked my author colleague Louise Morfis to be my co-author as she's so knowledgeable in Zakynthian history that combining our skills would make it the best possible book.
Q: What research was involved in writing Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: The book has taken us almost eight years to write as there was so much research material to go through, despite earlier being told nothing existed. Between us we have spent countless hours reviewing research material and photographs to find out as much as we can about all the subjects that will be in the book. This research material has come from travel journals and books, old archive material, letters and other personal documents, museums, and libraries. We have translated text from languages including Greek, Italian, German, and Latin as well!
Q: Which era of Zakynthos’ history would you both return to if you could?
A: Chrissie: Ooh it’s a difficult one. For me, I think it would be to ancient times, so that I could see what it was like and how people lived on the island during those times. I’m sure it would have been a very different place, and it would be great to explore.
A: Louise: I would love to go back to the early 1900's before the war...the life on Zakynthos was simpler and women were starting to be more apparent in the community, voting was allowed for the first time in 1934. I think this era would be exciting for women to be able to break free and go forward with their dreams,. Zakynthos was also a more romantic Island, so to speak back then with kantades, arekia, fancy dress balls, opera, and theatre...These are the things I am sure I would enjoy.
Q: Do you both have a favourite or special story you’d like to share about the journey to write and publish Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: There are so many stories about what we have been through to research and write this book. such as discovering incredible things we could never have dreamed have uncovering was the most exciting. We don’t what to give too much away, but there are some incredible stories that we will be sharing, and these are what will make the book so amazing.
Q: And finally, as a reader what should we expect from Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: There's so much content in Zakynthos Flower of the East, covering so many subjects, making it the most comprehensive book ever written about Zakynthos and its history. It's not just about history, though, it's everything connected to that history, the people who lived on the island, the exciting incidents that occurred, how the island was run and how the islands past influences the island that exists today. Zakynthos Flower of the East will cover over 1,000 years of all things Zakynthos, bringing together all the things readers ever wanted to know about the island including lots of hidden gems!
A: I have always been interested in history and when I wrote Among the Olive Groves, I was surprised at how little information was immediately available about Zakynthos’ history. When asking people about it, they said that nothing existed nowadays due to the Great Ionian Earthquake in 1953. So I decided to write something, but Knew it was something I couldn't do alone, so I asked my author colleague Louise Morfis to be my co-author as she's so knowledgeable in Zakynthian history that combining our skills would make it the best possible book.
Q: What research was involved in writing Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: The book has taken us almost eight years to write as there was so much research material to go through, despite earlier being told nothing existed. Between us we have spent countless hours reviewing research material and photographs to find out as much as we can about all the subjects that will be in the book. This research material has come from travel journals and books, old archive material, letters and other personal documents, museums, and libraries. We have translated text from languages including Greek, Italian, German, and Latin as well!
Q: Which era of Zakynthos’ history would you both return to if you could?
A: Chrissie: Ooh it’s a difficult one. For me, I think it would be to ancient times, so that I could see what it was like and how people lived on the island during those times. I’m sure it would have been a very different place, and it would be great to explore.
A: Louise: I would love to go back to the early 1900's before the war...the life on Zakynthos was simpler and women were starting to be more apparent in the community, voting was allowed for the first time in 1934. I think this era would be exciting for women to be able to break free and go forward with their dreams,. Zakynthos was also a more romantic Island, so to speak back then with kantades, arekia, fancy dress balls, opera, and theatre...These are the things I am sure I would enjoy.
Q: Do you both have a favourite or special story you’d like to share about the journey to write and publish Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: There are so many stories about what we have been through to research and write this book. such as discovering incredible things we could never have dreamed have uncovering was the most exciting. We don’t what to give too much away, but there are some incredible stories that we will be sharing, and these are what will make the book so amazing.
Q: And finally, as a reader what should we expect from Zakynthos Flower of the East?
A: There's so much content in Zakynthos Flower of the East, covering so many subjects, making it the most comprehensive book ever written about Zakynthos and its history. It's not just about history, though, it's everything connected to that history, the people who lived on the island, the exciting incidents that occurred, how the island was run and how the islands past influences the island that exists today. Zakynthos Flower of the East will cover over 1,000 years of all things Zakynthos, bringing together all the things readers ever wanted to know about the island including lots of hidden gems!
On location in Zakynthos!
Lots of people know Zakynthos for its blue sea and beaches. Louise and I love the churches, old buildings, and ancient hidden sites that are dotted about the island. Both of us are drawn to the amazing Culture and tradition and it’s so important to us. We’ve both visited many of these sites and they’re so important to the island. To learn more head to the dedicated website.
