Papadiamantis, Alexandros (1851-1911). One of the foremost -many consider him the foremost- short story writers of modern Greek literature.

He was born and died in Skiathos; son of the priest Papa-Adamanthios -from where his surname comes- and a maternal cousin of Al. Moraitidis.

His high school studies, which were completed in Piraeus, show chronological gaps due to the family's financial difficulties and Papadiamantis's unruly character. He enrolled in the Philosophy School, from which he did not graduate, while simultaneously studying English and French on his own, so he could earn a living from his translations.

In Athens, his relationship with the chapel of St. Elias, where he sang with Al. Moraitidis, is well known. He started as a writer of historical novels, but quickly moved on to short stories, a genre that he illuminated.

Deep religiosity, love of nature, customs, and the Skiathos dialect characterize his work.

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]