The international literature on the scientific, diplomatic, and political activities of Ioannis Kapodistrias is vast, as is well known, and I emphasize this in other studies of mine as well. However, concerning the man Kapodistrias, the relevant publications are very few and incomplete. In foreign literature - as is understandable - this significant aspect of his character, which is both shocking and directly connected to his pioneering and 'mythical' work, has been shrouded in silence or even intentional misunderstanding, and even distortion.

The man-revelation is revealed mainly through his own 'revealing' written testimonies. From the 176 'Letters to His Father,' translated from Italian and published by Polychronis Ennepekidis in 1972, which fortunately were preserved by his descendant, his brother George's daughter, Maria Desylla-Kapodistria. And from his even more personal and moving letters to Roxandra Stourza, the only woman he loved, which were published in the 'New Day of Trieste' in 1901.

Both of these correspondence collections, addressed to the two most beloved people in his life, refer to approximately the same time period. The letters to his father cover the years 1809-1820, from Kapodistrias's departure from Corfu to Russia until the year of his father's death. The letters to Roxandra Stourza refer to the period 1814-1822.

Kapodistrias's correspondence, both with his father Antonios and with Roxandra Stourza, follows the course and the development of the political, diplomatic, and military events in the European space concerning both Ioannis Kapodistrias and Roxandra Stourza. And as historical events unfold, suddenly the reader will encounter and stop, astonished, before the deeply human side of the two protagonists - the emotional revelation.

After Kapodistrias's tragic assassination, the scene changes. It becomes the lament - a monologue of ancient tragedy and reaches a peak of anguish and pain that is staggering. It is the lament for the love lost forever and unfulfilled for both of them. It is the shocking monologue and lament of Roxandra Stourza. The Greek woman who deserved to be loved in a unique way, until his death, by Ioannis Kapodistrias.

[Excerpt from the text of the foreword]