Yannis Ritsos

About the Author

Yannis Ritsos (1909-1990) was one of Greece's most revered poets of the 20th century, whose life and work were profoundly shaped by personal hardship, political turmoil, and an unyielding commitment to humanism. Born in Monemvasia, Ritsos endured the early loss of his mother and siblings to illness, followed by his own battle with tuberculosis, experiences that infused his poetry with themes of suffering, resilience, and quiet defiance. A committed leftist, he faced imprisonment and exile under various authoritarian regimes, including the Greek Civil War and the military junta, periods during which he continued to write prolifically. His verses, often blending lyrical intimacy with epic breadth, explore the dignity of the everyday and the transformative power of solidarity. Notable for works like 'Diaries of Exile,' Ritsos's oeuvre spans over a hundred volumes, earning him international acclaim, including the Lenin Peace Prize, and cementing his legacy as a voice for the oppressed.