Zakynthos Flower of the East
Zakynthos Flower of the East is a factual history 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
"Loved by poets, visited by travellers, fought over for centuries."
We think we know the Greek island of Zakynthos and yet the modern, tourist centric island of today only gives visitors a small, tantalising glimpse of what was once a grand and historically important place. So, how did Zakynthos become the island it is today? With over a thousand years of history, tradition, and culture to discover, Zakynthos not only had a wealthy and aristocratic past, but at times a treacherous and murderous one too; it was occupied by many nations, plundered by pirates and invaded during World War Two. Interesting seismic events and geological phenomena have created a stunningly beautiful and constantly changing landscape, which has only added to a remarkable history that's not only influenced generations, but also shaped the island into the tourist haven it is today. With culture and traditions that are very different to the rest of Greece, Zakynthos Flower of the East is a book full of the bygone eras of Zakynthos, as seen through the eyes of its history and those who lived through exciting and turbulent centuries. From history to archaeology, notable people to important sites, this will be the most comprehensive book ever written about Zakynthos, transporting readers though the centuries, from Myth and Legend, up to modern times. Book cover note: This is a holding book image and not the actual cover. |
Publication date is to be confirmed
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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.
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.
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: Zakynthos Flower of The East
We’ve both visited many of these sites and they’re so important to the island.
To learn more head to the dedicated website: Zakynthos Flower of The East
