Alexandros Papadiamantis

Alexandros Papadiamantis was born in Skiathos on March 3, 1851, the son of priest Adamantios Emmanouil and Angeliki, daughter of Alex. Moraitidis. He completed primary school and the first two grades of Greek school in Skiathos. He attended schools in Skopelos and Piraeus and eventually graduated from Varvakeio High School in 1874. In September of the same year, he enrolled in the School of Philosophy at the University of Athens, but he never graduated, although he wrote his first lyrical poem for his mother. He taught himself English and French. To make a living, he gave private lessons and published texts and translations in newspapers. In July 1872, he followed monk Nifon to Mount Athos, where he stayed for a few months, but realized that monastic life was not for him. However, he never missed Sunday services at Saint Elissaios in Monastiraki, where he sang as the right cantor. In 1879, he published the novel "The Emigrant" in the newspaper "Neologos." In 1882, he began publishing his novel "The Merchants of Nations" in the newspaper "Don't Get Lost." In 1884, he started publishing his novel "The Gypsy Girl" in "Akropolis," where he worked as a regular contributor from 1892 to 1897. From 1902 to 1904, he lived in Skiathos, from where he published "The Murderess." His work includes approximately 180 short stories and novellas that focus on the lower classes of Athens and Skiathos, and a few religious poems. On March 13, 1908, his 25-year contribution to Greek literature was celebrated at "Parnassos," under the patronage of Princess Maria Bonaparte. Shortly after, he returned to his homeland, where he remained until the end of his life. He passed away at dawn on January 3, 1911, from pneumonia.