23
fifteen books of studies, translations and more
than twenty-five books for children. Apart from
the books, he also published a great deal of
work in newspapers and journals in Cyprus and
Greece on all kinds of literature.
Aside from his purely creative work, he
was a founding member, board member or
president of leading intellectual associations
with great tradition and a wealth of activity.
He ran literary and other magazines, such as
Philologiki Kypros
(Literary Cyprus, published
annually from January 1960) and
Pnevmatiki
Kypros
(Intellectual Cyprus, from January
1960, initially a monthly magazine). He also
collaborated with Nearchos Clerides on the
children’s magazine
Paidiki Hara
(Playground)
and with George Marangos on publishing
medical journals.
The centre of the intellectual movement
It would not be an exaggeration to say that
from the date of the independence of Cyprus
until his death, Kypros Chrysanthis was at
the centre of the intellectual movement in
Cyprus, both as a creator himself but also as
a catalyst of cultural activity. By his personal
example, encouragement, the various steps and
the variety of opportunities that he offered,
but especially by his personal and persistent
prompting, he led a considerable number of
younger people along the road of writing and
participation in the intellectual movement and
life of our country.
All those who have studied his work agree that,
while not underestimating the value of his other
literary work, he was first and foremost a poet.
It is not by chance that his first and last literary
appearances were with verse.
A very important characteristic of his poetry is
a positive approach to things, a projection of the
values of life, joy, optimism, light, happiness,
love and the simple things that offer tranquillity
and satisfaction.
Beyond all doubt, the most fundamental
characteristic of Chrysanthis’ poetry, and one
which flows through it like the sap of life, is
Greece, as an idea, as nature, as history, myth
and tradition, as valour, humanity and as
freedom.
Kypros Chrysanthis fared well in his life as a
person, as the head of a family, as a creator. He
had many pupils and friends and his work was
valued in Cyprus and Greece. He deservedly
received awards from associations, the state -
both Cyprus and Greece - and from the highest
intellectual foundation of the Greek world, the
Academy of Athens.
(Source: Press and Information Office, Republic
of Cyprus)
Kypros Chrysanthis
The Society of Cypriot Studies
