"The best policy is honesty"

Born in 1864, when Crete was still part of the Ottoman Empire, Eleftherios was the beloved son of Kyriakos and Styliani Venizelos. However, this book is not just about the extraordinary fate of the young Cretan who, as he grew up, became a key player in the most critical political events of his time.

It also shows how the pampered Lefterakis, the combative lawyer, journalist, and politician Eleftherios, eventually became the leader Eleftherios Venizelos, a great figure in modern Greek history. His political genius, diplomatic ability, hard work, courage, and optimism guided his steps.

He dreamed of a greater, worthy, and more powerful Greece, and he made his vision a reality. This illustrated biography—the first written specifically for children and young people—brings to life moments from his fascinating life and narrates in a simple way the historical events that created his legend.

The illustrations, inspired by photographs, documents, and period newspapers, dynamically transport us to the world in which he lived and acted.