FREEDOM or DEATH 1956 Nikos Kazantzakis 1st Ed First Printing Edition HCDJ UK

Description: The first English edition of *Freedom and Death* by Nikos Kazantzakis was published in 1956 by Bruno Cassirer in Oxford. Hardcover with dust jacket. 1956. Crisp jacket with some soiling/light wear. Former owner's signature on free front end paper. Dust jacket clipped, but price still present. Overall an attractive copy. This edition brought Kazantzakis’ novel, originally titled *Captain Michalis* in Greek, to an international audience for the first time. Some key details about this edition include: 1. **Title Change**: The English version was titled *Freedom and Death*, which was a more philosophically resonant title, emphasizing the central themes of the novel—freedom and the ultimate cost of that freedom, symbolized by death. The original Greek title, *Captain Michalis*, directly referred to the main character, but the English title broadened the scope, reflecting Kazantzakis’ existential concerns. 2. **Translation**: The translation was done by Jonathan Griffin, a well-known British translator who was responsible for rendering Kazantzakis’ complex, vivid prose into English. Griffin’s translation captures much of the novel’s emotional intensity and philosophical depth, though some nuances of the Cretan dialect and culture may have been inevitably altered in translation. 3. **Physical Characteristics**: The first English edition was a hardcover book, typically bound in cloth with a dust jacket. Early copies feature a striking dust jacket design, often incorporating imagery evocative of Crete, such as symbols of rebellion, the rugged landscape, or traditional Cretan figures, reflecting the book’s setting and themes. 4. **Impact**: The release of *Freedom and Death* in English helped solidify Kazantzakis' international reputation, especially in the English-speaking world. This edition was significant in bringing his work to a broader audience outside Greece, helping to build his legacy as one of the great writers of the 20th century. 5. **Critical Reception**: Upon its publication, the English edition was widely praised for its intense portrayal of the human condition, its rich depiction of the Cretan struggle for independence, and Kazantzakis' exploration of existential themes. The title change to *Freedom and Death* was seen as fitting, emphasizing the philosophical and universal aspects of the story. This edition remains a key part of Kazantzakis' introduction to the English-speaking literary world, marking the beginning of his global literary influence. *Freedom and Death* (original Greek title: *Καπετάν Μιχάλης*, meaning "Captain Michalis") by Nikos Kazantzakis is an important book for several reasons: 1. **Exploration of the Struggle for Freedom**: The novel is set during the Cretan revolt against the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. It focuses on the personal and collective struggle for freedom, a central theme in Kazantzakis’ works. The characters are caught between their desire for personal liberty and their duty to the broader cause of national independence, reflecting the broader human conflict between individual will and societal obligation. 2. **Cretan Identity and History**: The novel is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Crete, the author’s homeland. It vividly depicts the Cretan people's resistance to Ottoman rule, while also celebrating the island’s customs, folklore, and way of life. *Freedom and Death* serves as both a tribute to Cretan identity and a meditation on the broader struggle for national identity. 3. **Philosophical Depth**: Kazantzakis explores profound philosophical themes, such as the nature of freedom, the inevitability of death, and the tension between the spiritual and the material. Captain Michalis, the protagonist, embodies this inner conflict, torn between his passions, his warrior’s duty, and his yearning for transcendence. The novel reflects Kazantzakis' existential concerns, particularly the idea that freedom requires a confrontation with suffering and death. 4. **Tragic Heroism**: The protagonist, Captain Michalis, is depicted as a larger-than-life figure who symbolizes the heroic and tragic elements of the human spirit. His fight for freedom is intense and personal, but it is also marked by contradictions, leading to his eventual downfall. This portrayal makes the novel a study of the complexities of heroism, particularly in the context of collective liberation movements. 5. **Literary Significance**: *Freedom and Death* showcases Kazantzakis’ powerful narrative style, rich with vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and a deep connection to his Greek heritage. His ability to blend myth, history, and philosophy elevates the novel to an epic scale. It remains one of the most celebrated works in modern Greek literature and contributes to Kazantzakis’ reputation as one of Greece's greatest writers. 6. **Universal Themes**: Although the novel is specific to Crete's historical circumstances, its themes of rebellion, sacrifice, freedom, and the human struggle against oppression resonate universally. It addresses timeless questions about the meaning of freedom, the cost of fighting for one’s beliefs, and the ultimate significance of life and death. Overall, *Freedom and Death* is an essential work for understanding Kazantzakis' worldview and for appreciating his literary contribution to themes of freedom, identity, and existential struggle.

Price: 69.99 USD

Location: Kohler, Wisconsin

End Time: 2024-11-29T20:47:50.000Z

Shipping Cost: 6.99 USD