Hellenic Literature Society

GREECE IN PRINT - JULY 1, 1996

HLS Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Hellenic Literature Society <GreekBooks@worldnet.att.net>

• TO BECOME A MEMBER OF HLS AND RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER AND HARD COPIES OF CATALOGS & BROCHURES OF GREEK LITERATURE, PLEASE E-MAIL THE MESSAGE "SUBSCRIBE HLS MEMBERSHIP" TO GREEKBOOKS@WORLDNET.ATT.NET TOGETHER WITH YOUR FULL NAME AND BOTH YOUR ELECTRONIC & POST OFFICE ADDRESSES (HOME ADDRESS PLEASE). YOU MAY ALSO FAX OR MAIL THIS INFORMATION.
• VISIT OUR WORLD WIDE WEB HOMEPAGE (UNDER DEVELOPMENT) AT http://www.hri.org/hls AND BROWSE THROUGH THE "GREECE IN PRINT" BOOK CATALOGUE OF GREEK LITERATURE AND CULTURE, BACK ISSUES OF THIS NEWSLETTER, AND OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION.
• MEMBERS CAN OBTAIN BOOKS OF GREEK LITERATURE THROUGH THE HELLENIC LITERATURE SOCIETY AND PARTICIPATING PUBLISHERS AT 20% to 30% DISCOUNT OFF THE LIST PRICE. PAYMENTS AND/OR DONATIONS TO HLS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE UNDER SECTION 501(a) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. CALL HLS FOR DETAILS.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

**** GREECE IN PRINT - 1996 ****

PROGRAM

Book Exhibit                                Sep. 21 & 22 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Traditional Greek Costumes Exhibit          Sep. 21 & 22 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Povereta Salonica, The Holocaust in Greece  Sep. 21 & 22 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Lectures & Discussion Panels

Saturday, Sept. 21, 1996

Session 1. Greek culture on the threshold of the millennium 10:00-11:05 am
Nicholas Gage - Author
Alexandros Mourchogiannis - Greek Tourist Organization
Yiorgos Chouliaras - Poet. Greek Press & Information Office

Session 2. Greek literature at the end of the century 11:10 - 12:20 pm
Bamgelis Calotychos - New York University
Stathis Gourgouris - Princeton University
Neni Panourgia - Princeton University

12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch Break

12:30 - 1:30 pm Cooking demonstration by Agrotikon restaurant

Session 3. Selected topics in Greek history 1:30 - 2:50 pm
Dimitris Katsarelias - Queens College; Deputy Director of the Foundation for Hellenic Culture
Constantine Hadzidimitriou - Historian
George Kyriakopoulos - Columbia University

Session 4. Cyprus' literary contributions to Western civilization 2:55 - 3:50 pm
Christos Moustras - Cyprus Tourist Office
Demetrios Theophylactou - Cyprus Mission to the United Nations

Session 5. Classical Greek culture and Afro-centrism 4:00 - 4:50 pm
Mary Lefkowitz - Wellesley College

Session 6. The Poets of Greece; two Nobel Prize winners 4:55 - 5:55 pm
Vassiliki Kekela - Educator
Constance Tagopoulos - Queens College

6:00 - 6:30 pm Meet the lecturers - coffee & koulourakia

7:00 pm Exhibit closes

Sunday, Sept. 22, 1996

9:00 - 9:55 am Registration, coffee & koulourakia; welcome remarks

Session 7. Greek American contributions to American sports 10:00 - 10:45 am
Nick Tsiotos - Educator
Andy Dabilis - Reporter, The Boston Globe

Session 8. The Jews of Greece 10:50 - 11:50 pm
Alexander Kitroeff - Haverford College

12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch Break

12:00 - 1:00 pm Cooking demonstration by a Greek restaurant

Session 9. The art of the translator 1:05 - 2:25 pm
Karen Van Dyck - Columbia University
Edmund Keeley - Princeton University
Peter Bien - Dartmouth College

Session 10. Myth, tales and stories 2:30 - 3:35 pm
Barbara Aliprantis - Storyteller
John Kallas - Author
Lili Bita - Poet and actress

Session 11. From the margin to the center; other poetic voices 3:40-5:00 pm
Barbara Lekatsas - Hofstra College
Dean Kostos - Poet
Eleni Fourtouni - Author

Session 12. Rembetika: the deep songs of Greece 5:05 - 6:05 pm
Gail Holst-Warhaft - Cornell University

6:10 - 6:40 pm Meet the lecturers - coffee & koulourakia

7:00 pm Exhibit closes

BOOK REVIEW

"Studies in Greek Philosophy"

Reviewed by Lynn E. Rose, State University of New York at Buffalo (reprinted by permission of the Journal of the Hellenic Diaspora)

This extensive collection covers more than fifty years' worth of publications by the late Gregory Vlastos (1907-1991), whose long and distinguished career has had such a profound influence on our approaches to the Hellenic philosophers. Volume I contains seventeen essays on "The Presocratics," and Volume II contains twenty-one essays on "Socrates, Plato, and Their Tradition." In Volume I there are studies of individual philosophers, such as Parmenides, Anaxagoras, and especially Zeno of Elea, as well as several "concept studies," especially on justice, equality, and isonomia. Volume II is devoted almost entirely to Socrates and Plato, with most of the emphasis on ethical and political issues, though metaphysics, physics, and astronomy also received their careful due.

Such a collection is particularly appropriate in the case of a writer like Vlastos, whose philosophical output was largely confined to articles, essays, and reviews, as opposed to books and monographs. Even his "Platonic Studies" (1973) and his "Socrates, Ironist and Moral Philosopher (1991) were themselves collections of essays.

The fact that Vlastos' work has already been extensively ontologised presented some serious problems for the editor, Daniel W. Graham: "Although this work is intended as a 'complete' collection of uncollected essays in ancient philosophy, the decision on what to include and what not to include was by no means simple (I, XI)." Indeed, there is no single overriding criterion or policy governing the selection of materials for this book. And certainly there has been no "exclusive" emphasis on the previously "uncollected." Of the thirty-eight items in the collection, five are reviews, three of which have been reprinted in previous anthologies. Of the thirty-three articles, fifteen were indeed journal articles that have "not" been previously anthologized. But of the other eighteen, thirteen were journal articles that have been anthologized. (The remaining five articles were first published in previous anthologies.)

Several important articles by Vlastos were not available for this collection, because they had already been promised for other planned collections, especially the "Socratic Studies" that was being prepared by Miles Burnye at for Cambridge University Press.

Graham's assessment of his own efforts is no doubt correct: "The justification for the present collection is simply the quality of the work and its prodigious impact on scholars of ancient philosophy."

The impact of Vlastos' work has indeed been enormous. For better or for worse, however, that impact is probably viewed by most scholars in terms of his 1954 article in "Philosophical Review: The Third Man Argument in the Parmenides." This article was criticized by Wilfred Sellars in 1955 and then by Peter Geash in 1956; both criticisms were immediately answered by Vlastos. That high level of prompt and distinguished attention from both sides of the Atlantic Ocean helped to generate a series of discussions of the Third Man Argument (or TMA) that has not diminished even after more than four decades. "In later years Vlastos was heard to lament the Pandora's Box of controversy he had opened with his paper (I, xvii). Nonetheless, that one article-supplemented by those quick exchanges with Sellars and Geash, all in the paper of "Philosophical Review-is far and away the most influential of Vlastos' efforts.

The TMA paper is also representative of Vlastos' approach and methodology: meticulous textual and conceptual analysis, often using the techniques of twentieth century logic and analytic philosophy (especially of the Cornell University variety, where Vlastos taught in the late forties and early fifties), combined with a thorough grounding in, and a profound respect for the ancient writings themselves.

Sometimes Vlastos approaches the texts with unargued attitudes that others might not share. For example: "Had Plato seen this, he would have said so (II, 188)." Many of us would view Plato as having very little inclination to tell us his own positions on the issues that he chooses to have his characters discuss!

Both the logical structure of the TMA and the underlying intent of its author remain controversial to this day. Most, including Vlastos, take it for granted that their own task is to identify the implicit premises that would be needed in order to make the TMA valid may be the Plato sees the TMA as invalid? Making the TMA valid may be the very last thing that we should do! Some, including Vlastos, even assume that the contradictory conclusions that are reached would require a contradiction in the premises. Making the premises contradictory of course guarantees the validity of the argument. But, once again, what if the TMA is taken to be invalid? Then the contradictory conclusions need not result from any contradiction in the premises!

Despite these minor reservations, most of us who have studied Vlastos find him to be a most forceful shaper of our own thinking regarding the Hellenic philosophers, and this extensive collection of so many of his major writings should prove to be a continuing treasure-trove of stimulation and inspiration.

NEW PUBLICATIONS

**** ENGLISH ****

A quick survey of the highlights of ancient Greeks, focusing mainly on the classical period. Each chapter is covered in a two-page spread of several paragraphs of summary, a main illustration with numerous captions pointing to important details, an inset picture and caption, and a row of captioned illustrations of related artifacts.

This book is heavily illustrated, well designed, and full of fascinating snippets of information. Though most of the information is readily available in other similar books, the cutaways of ships and buildings are especially good, and the battle maps are unusually clear. an economical look at an intriguing subject. (maps, glossary, index). For ages 8 to 10.
46 pages, $ 9.95

THE APPLE FALLS FROM THE APPLE TREE, by Helen Papanikolas

The title of Papanikola's second collection of short stories is taken from an old Greek proverb. Unlike the characters in her first collection, "Small Bird, Tell Me," who immigrated in the early 1900s, the "Apple" generation has moved beyond the rigid Greekness of its immigrant parents. The pioneers have died, along with many old customs, especially the haunting black fatalism of funerals. The raw, overt emotions of the parents are attenuated in their children; the prejudices they encounter are greatly diluted. Fewer of the immigrants' grandchildren attend Greek schools; the old lodges do not attract them; they live far from the old Greek towns. Yet the children retain much of their parents' culture.

The new stories speak of the next generation's struggle with the vestiges of Greek customs; their rivalries; envy of the successful; hubris; stepping onto the threshold of old age; intermarriage; and loss. The exoticism and color of immigrant life wanes as each generation that follows those first patriarchs and matriarchs becomes "more like the Americans."
250 pages, 6.0x9.0 inches, paper, $14.95

**** GREEK ****

ELLHNIKH POITIKH ANTHOLOGIA THANATOU TOU 20ou AIWNA, tou Giavvn Berbern kai Kwsta Papagewrgiou.

Apavthisma poinmatwv me thema to thavato. Oi avthologoi prospathnsav va dwsouv to stigma tou thavatou, opws to eisepraksav kai to metousiwsav se aisthntiko morfwma meizoves kai ellasoves pointikes fwves tou aiwva mas. Polusxidia apopsewv, poikilia proseggisewv. H gevikn peisithavatn evtupwsn paralassei apo pointn se pointn kai o thavatos givetai gia tov katheva eva diaforetiko, avapantexo topio. Avthologouvtai pointes pou edwsav to snmavtikotero ergo tous meta tov Prwto Pagkosmio Polemo, evw h avafora periptwsewv kaluptei mexri kai tn gevia tou '70 (stnv opoia eksallou, avnkouv oi duo avthologoi).

Pragmatika prwtotupo to olo egxeirnma-av kai makabrio-prosferei tn movadukn eukairia v' apoktnsei kaveis epopteia tou thavatou stn xwra tns poinsns, opou metraei movo n aisthntikn dikaiwsn kai kataksiwsn tns morfns. Auto pou kuriarxei eivai pavtws h psuxraimia kai mia metriopathns tasn paraitnsns ki agkatalnpsns.

PSILH H PERISPWMENH, tou Nikou Gabrinl Pentzikn

Prokeitai gia eva odoiporiko stn Boreio Ellada, pou graftnke to 1966 gia evav aggliko ekdotiko oiko, prokeimevou va perilnfthei s' evav odngo gia tn xwra mas (o opoios telika dev ekdothnke, giati ta sxetika keimeva dev efthasav stov proorismo tous eksaitias tns logokrisias pou epiblnthnke apo tn diktatoria twv suvtagmatarxwv). To sugkekrimevo grapto tou Pevtzikn eixe xathei, molis prosfata "avakalufthnke". ki etsi nlthe sto fws tns dnmosiotntas uster' apo talaipwria triavta etwv. Eivai eva pezografnma pukvo kai pointiko, pou avaferetai stn gewgrafia, tnv istoria, tnv texvh, tov politismo, ta nthn ki ethima tns Makedovias kai tns Thrakns.

Ksekivaei apo tn lithivi epoxn (ta prwta ellnvika fula episkeptovtai to Aigaio). Mvnmoveuei tis trinreis pou arazav stn Beroia kai fthavei mexri tn snmerivn pragmatikotnta. O Pevtzikns parousiazei to tmnma auto tns ellnvikns gns va epikathetai sto xartn, sav pveuma n tovos, psiln n perispwmevh, pavw sto upoloipo ellnviko swma. Logotexvikn peringnsn, eurnmatiko odoiporiko apo evav boreio-elladitn mastora.
80 selides, 1995

BEST SELLERS IN GREECE

1. H Bradutnta, by M. Kouvtera
2. To Traivo me tis Fraoules, by G. Ksanthoulns
3. To Periptero, by D. Gkiwvh
4. H Proba tou Nyfikou, by N. Giannakopoulou
5. Dytika tns Lypns, by O. Elytns
6. Amav Amav by A. Papadakn
7. Deka Mythoi kai mia Istoria, by N. Papandreou
8. Gkriza Politeia, by M. Lampadaridou
9. Pou Pia Kairos, by I. Kapavtan
10. O Xoreutns stov Elaiwva, by Th. Grngoriadns

BEST SELLERS OUTSIDE OF GREECE

1. Alexander the Great, World Leader, by Dennis Wepman
2. Ellinika Twra 1+1, by Demetra Marineta
3. Ellnvikn Glwssa, Egxeiridion Didaskalias, by G. Mpampiniwtn
4. American Aphrodite, by C. Callinicos
5. Oxford English Greek Learner's Dictionary, by D. N. Stavropoulos
6. Oxford Greek English Learner's Dictionary, by D. N. Stavropoulos
7. Pocket Oxford Greek Dictionary, by J. T. Ping
8. Small Bird Tell Me, by Helen Papanikolas
9. The Book of Greek Cooking, by Lesley Mackley
10. From a Traditional Greek Kitchen, by Aphrodite Polemis

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Alexander S. Onassis Center, New York University, will present a photo exhibition entitled "Stewards of the Land": A Photographic History of the American Farm School." The exhibit portrays the development of the Farm School, as well as rural Greek life, over the course of this century. An opening reception will be held on June 27 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, 58 West 10th St. For information call 212-998-3990.

July 2 * New York, NY - CONCERT

A Byzantine concert will be presented in the evening at the church of St. Bartholomew, 51st St. & Park Ave. A 70 voice choir comprised of chanters from Greece, the U.S. and Canada will perform during the program. For more information, contact St. Bartholomew.

July 5-6 * Epidauros, Greece - THEATER

The Greek National Theater will perform Sophocles' "Electra," staged and directed by Lydia Koniordou, as part of the Epidavros Festival. The Box office of the ancient Epidavros Theater can be reached at 011-0753-22-0006.

July 11 * Chicago, IL - EXHIBIT

The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center will sponsor an exhibit of paintings by the artist Ioanna Mpatsios entitled "Across My Path." The exhibit opens at 7:30 PM. 168 N Michigan Ave.

July 11 - August 15 * New York, NY - GALLERY TALKS

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will hold a series of gallery talks in the newly completed Belfer court of the Greek and Roman Art exhibition galleries. Talks are scheduled on July 11, 16 and 30; and August 7 and 15.

NOTES

• If you would like to contribute feature articles, announce exhibits, events, lectures or any other activities on Greek literature and culture, from any country, to be included in this newsletter, please e-mail your material to GreekBooks@worldnet.att.net or mail them to the attention of the H.L.S.
• Reviewed books may be purchased through the "Greece In Print" catalogue of the participating publisher(s) in cooperation with the Hellenic Literature Society. Members of "Greece In Print" receive discounts of 20% to 30% off the publisher's list price without any obligations. Please send all book purchase requests, or requests for copies of the "Greece In Print" catalog to the H.L.S.
• Payments and/or donations to the Hellenic Literature Society are tax deductible under section 501(a)of the Internal Revenue Code as an organizationdescribed in section 501(c)(3). Funds are used to promote the reading of Greek Literature; to organize Greek literary and cultural events; to endow libraries with books of Greek literature; to create & finance libraries at the schools of the Greek Diaspora; to finance scholarships and fellowships in Greek studies; to assist Greek authors publish their manuscripts; and, award an annual prize for excellence in Greek literature. If we are instructed to direct a donation to the library of a specific institution, books will be inscribed with the name of the donor and will be accompanied by an explanatory letter.
• Please advise us if you do not receive the biweekly issues of this newsletter in your private e-mail address, and you wish to continue to do so. We are receiving some "E-mail Undeliverable" notices. We will remove from the mailing list any address for which we receive three consecutive such notices.

Cosmos Publishing Company - NJ, 201-664-3494:
Books of Greek subject matter in English and in Greek. (Mail order worldwide)

Foundation for Hellenic Culture - NY, 212-308-6908
Non-profit organization supporting Greek cultural activities.

The GreekAmerican - NY, 718-626-7676:
Weekly Newspaper (in English)

Greek American Women's Network - NJ, 201-944-4127
Provides support, contacts and shared information to women of Greek heritage.

Hellenic American Educators - NY, 212-777-7502
Educational organization affiliated with the United Federation of Teachers.

The Hellenic American Network - NJ, 201-664-3494:
Mail order advertising, reaching over 1,000,000 Greek-Americans and 120,000 Greek-Canadians.

HELLENIC LITERATURE SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP - 615 MEMBERS IN 29 COUNTRIES

Australia           20             Japan                2
Brazil               1             Mexico               1
Canada              35             Netherlands          5
Cyprus               2             New Zealand          2
Denmark              6             Norway               3
Finland              5             Portugal             1
France               9             Singapore            2
Germany              6             Slovenija            1
Greece              34             South Africa         1
Hong Kong            1             Spain                1
Hungary              3             Sweden               2
Ireland              3             Switzerland          5
Israel               6             Turkey               2
Italy                3             United Kingdom      43
                                   United States      409

HLS Directory - Previous Article - Next Article