Athens: Books About Greece

When I am in Greece I am amazed at how many people I see reading James Grisham and Stephen King novels and other time-passers. These books are escapes. If you are in Greece you are already escaping. Why escape from the escape? Embrace the escape. Read about Greece while you experience it. There will be plenty of reading time on your journey on boat trips, on beaches and in cafes so why not further your understanding of the country and the people? No this does not necessarily mean reading Euripedes and Homer though they are an option of course. I am talking about the Philhellenes and modern Greek writers whose works are not only profound but totally enjoyable reading. I have put together a whole site for books with short reviews and ordering information because my list of recommended reading became too big. The site includes history, travel guides and travelogues, modern and ancient Greek literature and books by people who love Greece. The site is at www.greektravel.com/books

BOOK STORES IN ATHENS

There are several English language bookstores in Athens. Compendeum, formerly on Nikis Street has moved to a new location on the corner of Nikis Street and Nikodimou. Compendium is to Athens as Shakespeare and Company is to Paris, a place where ex-pats come to browse and famous poets and authors drop in to do a reading. You can find lots of books about Greece, plus a large variety of books in English including current best-sellers, maps, guides, newspapers and magazines.

There is a giant Eleftherodakis on Panapistimiou street across from the University with a large selection of English language books and a cafe on the top floor. Pirinos Kosmos, behind the Athens University on the corner of Acadamias and Ippokratus street (or somewhere around there) is one of the best Occult-Alternative Healing-Religious bookstores I have ever seen. The English language section is upstairs. Many obscure books you won't find anywhere else. You can e-mail them at info@pyrinoskosmos.gr

For used books Compendium Books has a second hand section. Also in Monastiraki there are a few used book shops and they all have English language paperbacks if you go in and search around. If you walk down Ermou street (away from Syntagma) there is one on the left about halfway to the end in Monastiraki. There are also one or two on Ifestou street which is the main street in Monastiraki next to the train station. Travelers also leave their old books in hotels in Athens and on the island so if you don't see them around ask at the desk.

Odyssey Magazine is a wonderful source of info with interesting articles, photos, news, art, culture and more. I love this magazine and get very excited when it comes in the mail. If you are a Greek American it will be like your lifeline home and if you are a traveler you will learn more about Greece than you thought possible. Many articles on history, the diaspora, well known or up and coming Greek artists, musicians, writers, politicians, and their summer issue is as full of practical information as any of the guidebooks. Great color pictures and excellent graphics. Classy magazine.

You can order it at a special discounted rate at: www.greektravel.com/odysseyform

Return to Athens Survival Guide