Cavafy, Constantinos. (1863–1933)

Greek poet. An Alexandrian, he shed light on Greek history, recreating the classical period with zest. He published only one book of poetry and remained almost unknown until translations of his work appeared 1952.

He pictured Hellenistic and also Byzantine scenes in simple language in which archaic nuances give, even to dramatic and erotic episodes, ironic ambiguity frequently sharpened into a compassionate satire.