Yannis Ritsos

Yannis Ritsos (Γελλικά: Γιάννης Ρίτσος [ˈritsos]; 1 May 1909 – 11 November 1990) was a Greek poet, politician, and left-wing activist. He is considered one of the greatest Greek poets of the 20th century.

Early Life

Ritsos was born in Monemvasia, Greece, to a wealthy family of landowners. However, his childhood was marked by tragedy, including the death of his mother and brother due to tuberculosis. He suffered from the disease himself and spent time in hospitals, including the Kesa sanatorium.

Literary Career

Ritsos began writing poetry at an early age and published his first collection, "Child Generation," in 1924. His work was influenced by Marxism and the Left, ideologies that deeply impacted his poetry and lifestyle. He became a member of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) in 1931 and published several notable works, including "Tractor" (1934) and "Pyramids" (1935).

World War II and Resistance

During World War II, Ritsos was an active member of the Greek resistance. He was arrested and spent four years in prison camps for his involvement with the EAM (Front de Liberación Nacional). His poetry during this period reflected his experiences as a prisoner and his commitment to the Left.

Post-War Career

After the war, Ritsos continued to write and publish poetry. His most famous work is "Romiosini" (Grecidad), which was musicalized by Mikis Theodorakis. He also wrote several novels, plays, and studies, and was a member of the Single Democratic Left when the KKE was in illegality.

Awards and Legacy

Ritsos received several awards for his work, including the Greek National Poetry Award (1956) and the Lenin Peace Prize (1977). He is considered one of the three most important Greek poets of the Generation of 30, along with Konstantinos Kavafis and Angelos Sikelianos.

Translations

Ritsos's poetry has been translated into many languages, including English, French, Spanish, and Italian. His works have been widely studied and admired for their power, originality, and emotional intensity.

Personal Life

Ritsos was married to a woman named Eri, who was also involved in politics. She was a candidate for the European Parliament with KKE in 2014. Ritsos died on November 11, 1990, at the age of 81, in Athens, Greece.

Works

* "Tractor" (1934)
* "Pyramids" (1935)
* "Romiosini" (Grecidad) (1953)
* "Eighteen Short Songs of the Bitter Motherland" (1973)
* "Epitaphios" (1967)
* "The Fourth Dimension" (1974)
* "Diaries of Exile" (2012)

References

* Savvas, Minas. _Yannis Ritsos: Selected Poems 1938-1988_. Keeley.
* Stangos, B. _The Fourth Dimension_. Martin McKinsey.
* Keeley, A. _Selected Poems_. Myrsiades & others.
* Merchant, Paul. _Monochords_. Tavern Books.
* McKinsey, Martin, and Scott King. _Petrified Time: Poems from Makrónissos_. Red Dragonfly Press.

External Links

* Yannis Ritsos at the Greek National Poetry Award website
* Yannis Ritsos at the Lenin Peace Prize website