Nikos Kazantzakis, a renowned Greek author, was born in Heraklion, Crete, Greece, and went on to lead a life marked by extensive travel, linguistic proficiency, and a profound fascination with philosophy and literature.
After initially studying Law in Athens and Paris, Kazantzakis redirected his academic pursuits towards the realms of philosophy and literature, cultivating a profound understanding of these subjects. His travels took him to diverse corners of the globe, allowing him to absorb the richness of various cultures and languages.
As a philosopher, Kazantzakis penned the influential work "Ascetics" (Salvatores Dei, 1927),which eloquently articulated his metaphysical beliefs. His poetic endeavors yielded the celebrated "The Odyssey" (1938) and the collections "Tertsines" and various poetic works for the theatre, including "Protomastoras" (Foreman),"Melissa" (Bee),"Julian", and "Prometheus".
Kazantzakis's novels are a testament to his literary prowess, with notable works such as "Alexis Zorbas" (1946),"OXristos xanastavronetai" (1948),"O ftoxoulistou Theou" (1952-3),"Anafora ston Greco" (1961),and others.
Tragically, Kazantzakis's life was cut short when he passed away in 1957, leaving behind a legacy of profound literary and philosophical contributions that continue to captivate readers and inspire scholars to this day.