The British Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915 - 2011) is considered the greatest travel writer of our time and a legendary figure who connected his life with Greece.

His wanderings began at the age of 18, in 1933, when instead of following the military career he was destined for, he crossed the English Channel and started to walk across Europe, heading for Istanbul. Fueled by his insatiable curiosity about the world, he accomplished this mythical feat, enduring various trials. He reached Istanbul on New Year's Day in 1935. From there, he moved on to Greece, stayed at Mount Athos, and traveled through Epirus, Macedonia, and Central Greece, learning the customs and language of the country that would become his second homeland.

When World War II broke out, he returned to England and enlisted in the Irish Guards and later, due to his knowledge of Greek, was assigned as a liaison officer with the Greek Army. With the collapse of the Albanian Front, he found himself in Crete. There, disguised as a shepherd, he lived in the mountains for two years, organizing the rebels' fight. He led the team that kidnapped the German commander, General Kreipe.

He never mentioned the incident in his books, which were beloved by millions of readers around the world. Among other works, he published the books Mani, Roumeli, The Time of Gifts, Between the Woods and the Water. Until his death, he lived in Mani, in a house designed together with his wife, the unforgettable photographer Joan Leigh Fermor, whose photographs are included in his books "Mani" and "Roumeli."

In recognition of his contribution to literature, he was awarded the title of Knight by the Queen of England. An irresistible narrative of a life of adventure, erudition, bravery, and charm, given with deep knowledge and love by Patrick Leigh Fermor's personal friend Artemis Cooper.