The Cyclades : discovering the Greek islands of the Aegean

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek isles, renowned for the beauty of their seascapes, their historical monuments, and a unique way of life deeply rooted in the remote past of the Aegean. Over the course of more than 7,000 years the Cyclades have seen a succession of civilizations, the earliest of them perpetuated in legends such as that of Atlantis, which has been identified with volcanic Santorini. The islands are arrayed around their sacred centre on Delos, where Leto was said to have given birth to the divine twins Apollo and Artemis, children of Zeus. Dionysus was born on olive-embowered Naxos, where he fell in love with Ariadne, and myths relate that Poseidon was the protector of Tinos, whose mid-summer festival of the Virgin is celebrated with the folk-dances and songs for which the Cyclades are famous. In this comprehensive guide to the Cyclades, John Freely describes the immemorial past and timeless present of these enchanting islands, which still await discovery.

the First Modern Guide To The Cyclades, Arguably The Most Beautiful Of All The Greek Islands

library Journal

more Than 30 Aegean Islands Form The Circular Archipelago Known As The Cyclades. Freely (strolling Through Athens), Who Has Summered In Naxos Since The Early 1960s, Provides Unparalleled Insights Into The History And Culture Of These Amazing Islands, Home To A Succession Of Civilizations Over The Last 7000 Years. A Typical Chapter Covers One Or Two Islands And Includes Both Ancient Lore And Ionian Legends (e.g., That Leto Gave Birth To The Divine Twins Apollo And Artemis On Delos), Archaeological Finds, And Descriptions Of Enchanting Roads And Pathways. The Appendixes Feature A Chronology From Ancient Times To The Present, A Listing Of Annual Festivals, A Glossary Of Terms, And A Brief Bibliography. Travelers Unfamiliar With The Greek Islands May Prefer More General Guides Such As Kate Poole's Greek Islands Or Berlitz's Greek Islands Of The Aegean Pocket Guide. This More Focused Guide, Which Includes Some Black-and-white Line Maps, Is Recommended For Libraries With Larger Travel Collections.-elizabeth Connor, The Citadel, Military Coll. Of South Carolina Lib., Charleston Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

The Cyclades are the quintessential Greek isles, renowned for the beauty of their seascapes, their historical monuments and a unique way of life deeply rooted in the remote past of the Aegean. Over the course of more than 7,000 years the Cyclades have seen a succession of civilizations, the earliest of them perpetuated in legends such as that of Atlantis, which has been identified with volcanic Santorini. The islands are arrayed around their sacred centre on Delos, where Leto was said to have given birth to the divine twins Apollo and Artemis, children of Zeus. Dionysos was born on olive-embowered Naxos, where he fell in love with Ariadne, and myths relate that Poseidon was the protector of Tinos, whose mid-summer festival of the Virgin is celebrated with the folk-dances and songs for which the Cyclades are famous. In this comprehensive guide to the Cyclades, John Freely describes the immemorial past and timeless present of these enchanting islands, which still await discovery.