Interesting historical incidents –both lighthearted and serious– that outline and characterize the life and actions of the leaders of '21, Kapodistrias, Otto, Amalia, and others.

Excerpts and details from the private lives of historical figures, the words and accomplishments of heroes, as preserved in the writings of the protagonists and scholars of the time. The consistency of words and actions, the ethics, the principles, and the ideals of our ancestors constitute the best legacy-guide for future generations.

Some characteristic excerpts from the book:

ARMANSBERG TO KOLOKOTRONIS — You have many enemies, General! — Yes! I have had and still have many enemies; but there are two that are the greatest. — Who are they, General? — One is my name and the other is my services.

IOANNIS KAPODISTRIAS There is one thought that I cannot get out of my mind: For Greece, I am ready to give everything. Efforts, status, life. But as for honor… If I cannot achieve the impossible, if I am lost before securing the future of Greece, everyone will say: “Kapodistrias attempted a work beyond his capabilities.” This thought, I assure you, is very hard. When one has managed to carry out every task he has undertaken only with his honor, it is painful to gamble at the end the reputation that was acquired with so much effort.

OTTO-AMALIA Among the ministers of Otto's time, the following witticism was circulating as a joke: “Otto reads the Decrees, but does not sign them. Amalia signs them without reading them.”