The Hellenist Eusebi Ayensa curates a comprehensive two-volume presentation of C. P. Cavafy’s poetic oeuvre, published by Dioptra Editions, based on the original archives and new, previously unpublished material
A monumental two-volume edition covering the entirety of Cavafy’s poetic work is now available, the result of many years of research across the three institutions that safeguard the poet’s archive: the Cavafy Archive of the Onassis Foundation, the Papoutsakis Archive of ELIA/MIET, and the Historical Archives of the Benaki Museum. Edited by the Catalan Hellenist Eusebi Ayensa, the edition follows the original texts with unprecedented fidelity and incorporates all of the poet’s corrections—both in the manuscripts and in the independent pamphlets he published in Alexandria. The extensive notes reveal a wealth of unpublished material—early drafts, comments, and valuable archival evidence—illuminating the creative world of the great Alexandrian poet as never before.
The introduction and commentary are written by Eusebi Ayensa, one of the foremost Cavafy scholars internationally. A long-time professor at the University of Girona and currently Director of the Academic and Educational Section at the archaeological site of Empúries, Ayensa has translated Cavafy into Catalan and Spanish and has been honored with major literary awards, including the Jordi Domènech, Serra d’Or, and Aurora Bertrana prizes. He has also edited studies highlighting Cavafy’s ties with Catalan culture and is a member of the Academy of Athens, the Royal Academy of Letters of Barcelona, and the Hellenic Authors’ Society.
The event will be moderated by journalist and book critic Manolis Pimblis.
Speakers:
Eusebi Ayensa, editor of the edition and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens
Giannis Karlopoulos, graphic designer (artistic direction of the two volumes)
Takis Kayalis, Professor of Modern Greek Literature and Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Outreach, Hellenic Open University
Poetry readings: Zoi Katsatou, actress