"These Scattered Isles, Alonnisos & the Lesser Northern Sporades"- first impressions

Although, sadly,  I've never been to Alonnisos, I have no hesitation in recommending a splendid new book by Kostas Mavrikis, edited and translated by Anthony Hirst (Academic Director of the Durrell School of Corfu):

"These Scattered Isles, Alonnisos & the Lesser Northern Sporades", Oxford Maritime Reserach, 2010.

I look forward to reading it over the Christmas holidays. It is richly and beautifully illustrated, and the translation and additional material by Anthony Hirst are both scholarly and of interest to anyone concerned with Greece, its culture and history. I found the translator's introduction particularly valuable. I can't wait to settle down to the full 478 pages.

It's available from Colenso Books:

68 Palatine Road

London N16 8ST

colensobooks@gmail.com

Amazon listing

Here's the description from the back cover:

"Unlock the mysteries of the Northern Sporades - the Aegean's hidden jewels. Once a refuge for pirates, known variously as Satan's Islands, Demon Islands, Thieves' Dens and the islands of the Magnesians, the Northern Sporades - literally meaning 'scattered' - with their dramatic changes from island to island, strange geological forms and historical remains, are among Greece's most delightful secrets. For These Scattered Isles Kóstas Mavríkis, in the company of those who live or used to live on these islands, has extensively explored the lesser Northern Sporades photographing every trace of ancient habitations which have given rise to countless legends and traditions. Piecing together these legends, the historical evidence and the written texts, Mavríkis has produced a multi-faceted image of the islands of Alónnisos, Peristéra, Kirá Panayá, Yoúra, Pipéri, Psathoúra and Skántzoura and many other smaller islands. Thousands of ships of all epochs lie on the sea-bed of the Sporades, constituting perhaps the most important collection of wrecks in the world, not only for their sheer number but also because of their significance and antiquity. From the time men first set sail with primitive log boats to today's high-technology ships, these islands have served as an important junction, stopping place and refuge. All these wrecks, preserved from human greed and natural disasters, still lie on the sea-bed, ready to deliver their secrets to those who care to look. Originally published in Greek, These Scattered Isles is the product of the author's passionate curiosity to explore the islands and all that they represent, while bearing the fruits of his extraordinarily detailed research. Now translated into English by Anthony Hirst, with additional research by both Mavríkis and Hirst and a wealth of new illustrations, this book cannot fail to delight and enchant you."

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Oxford Maritime Research (September 1, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 0956618103
• ISBN-13: 978-0956618108