The writer and former president of the Academy of Athens, Thanasis Valtinos, has passed away at the age of 92, as announced by his publisher.
His biography and career
He was born in Karatoula Kynourias in Arcadia. During the years of the occupation and the civil war, his family moved to different cities and Valtinos attended the gymnasiums of Sparta, Gytheio and Tripoli. From 1950 he moved to Athens where he attended courses at the Political Science department of Panteion and at a cinema school.
He first appeared in literature in 1958 with the award of the short story Katakalocairo in a competition of the magazine Thachydromos. In 1963, he published the story The Descent of the Nine in Epochs magazine, a work that was also published in a German translation in 1976. He was also involved in playwriting and translation – a collaborator of the Karolos Koon Art Theater -, as well as in the film script. He collaborated with various Athenian magazines (Tachdromos, Epochs, The Continuity, The Word, Diavazo, Ausblicke, Anti, Map) and newspapers (The Kathimerini, The Dawn).
During the dictatorship he took part in the resistance publication 18 Texts. He was honored with the screenplay prize at the Cannes festival for Voyage to Kythira directed by Theodoros Angelopoulos in 1984. In 1994, with the release of his book “Orthokosta”, a novel about the Civil War, intense discussions about the post-war history of Greece were provoked.
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**Interview with Dr. Maria Papadopoulos, Literary Historian and Close Associate of Thanasis Valtinos**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Papadopoulos. The passing of Thanasis Valtinos is a significant loss to the literary community. Can you share your thoughts on his impact on Greek literature?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Thank you for having me. Thanasis Valtinos was not just a writer; he was a formidable presence in Greek literature. His works often reflected the tumultuous history of Greece, from the occupation to the civil war, providing a voice to those experiences. He had a unique ability to weave personal stories into the larger tapestry of our national identity.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned his early life influenced his writing. Could you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Certainly. Valtinos’s childhood in various cities during times of distress undoubtedly shaped his worldview. He moved frequently due to the political unrest, which imbued his characters and stories with a sense of displacement and longing. His early exposure to different cultures within Greece enriched his narratives, allowing him to embrace the complexity of our national story.
**Interviewer:** His literary debut in 1958 with the short story “Kataka” marked the beginning of a prolific career. How did his style evolve over the decades?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Valtinos’s early works were marked by a modernist style, but as his career progressed, he integrated more traditional Greek narrative techniques. He was masterful at blending local dialects and folklore elements, which made his stories resonate with a wider audience. His later works often explored existential themes, reflecting his deepening philosophical inquiries.
**Interviewer:** Beyond his writing, Valtinos also had a significant role in academia as the former president of the Academy of Athens. How did his academic involvement enrich his literary contributions?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** His academic role allowed him to engage with literature on an analytical level, influencing his writing. He nurtured younger generations of writers and scholars, emphasizing the importance of preserving our literary heritage. His commitment to education and culture was as profound as his literary endeavors, making him a pivotal figure in both fields.
**Interviewer:** What do you think his legacy will be?
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Thanasis Valtinos’s legacy will be characterized by his profound exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of Greek history. Future generations will continue to draw inspiration from his works, and he will be remembered not only as a great storyteller but as a champion of Greek culture and identity. His passing is indeed a great loss, but his contributions will endure.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for sharing your insights on such an influential figure.
**Dr. Papadopoulos:** Thank you for honoring his memory.
