New Book Unveils the Life of Constantine Cavafy

A new biography titled "Alexandrian Sphinx: The Hidden Life of Constantine Cavafy", by Peter Jeffreys and Gregory Jusdanis, attempts to shed light on the life and work of Constantine Cavafy, one of the most important Greek poets of the 20th century.

The book, the first large-scale biography of Cavafy in 50 years, examines the poet's life from Alexandria to Constantinople, his erotic experiences, and his sparse but sharp poetic style. The biography does not follow a classic chronological narrative, but is organized thematically, focusing on family, friends, Alexandria, and his posthumous reputation.

The authors use the metaphor of the "Sphinx" to describe Cavafy, highlighting his enigmatic nature and his obsession with his art. The book aims to place Cavafy in the international literary scene, alongside figures such as Proust and Eliot.

According to an article in The Guardian, "Alexandrian Sphinx" is the most important contribution to the study of Cavafy in decades.