Our website is delighted to present the interview given to us by Elena Davlamanou and Athanasia Eleftherouli, authors of the book “Heroic Figures of the Greek Revolution – Philhellenes of 1821” (Vol. II), published by Grafema (2021).
1) Could you tell us a few words about your book?
E. N. The book “Philhellenes of 1821” is the second volume in the series “Heroic Figures of the Greek Revolution,” published by Grafema. This book pays tribute to all the sincere admirers and champions of the Greek national ideal who defended—and continue to fight for—the human values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and social justice.
The Philhellenes were inspired by the finest moments of our tradition; they aligned themselves with the principles, values, and ideals of Greek civilization; they envisioned the future; and even today they serve as ambassadors for a Greece that excels.
This book, therefore, presents the lives and work of 21 Philhellenes in first-person narratives and is written in a way that appeals to readers of all ages.
The illustrations are by the exceptional illustrator, Fotis Papastefanou, while the overall, flawless design of the book is by our beloved and talented associate, Grigoris Tryfou. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts, as well as our publisher, Giannis Tsachouridis.
2) How did you come up with the idea to write the book?
E.N. Our connection to and knowledge of history define us as the heirs to a historical and cultural legacy, bridging the present with the past to which our roots trace back. That is how we felt and acted as the authors of the book, driven by our love for history. The 200th anniversary of the start of the Greek Revolution served as both the occasion and the impetus for our joint effort. The occasion was the anniversary itself, and the cause was history itself—and the highlighting of the people, relationships, situations, and developments that defined and shaped the revolution. We all honor our ancestors’ struggle for liberation from the Turkish yoke; we all participate in commemorative events every year; yet few of us are aware of the reality and the events that shaped those developments. Furthermore, based on our teaching experience, children want to learn about reality not as a fairy tale but to read about it as… a fairy tale. And this realization prompted us to explore the figures of the Greek Revolution, starting with the Women Fighters and then moving on to the Philhellenes. The Philhellenes played a key role in the liberation of the Greek state. Unfortunately, however, apart from a few iconic figures (Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, Eynard, Meyer, and others), many other Philhellenes have been consigned to oblivion, as has the movement to support the Greek revolutionaries. Thus, through our research, we sought to present the lives and deeds of great Philhellenes so that, despite the more than two hundred years that separate us from that time, we may find role models to emulate and draw courage and strength to help us all the difficult struggle of life.
3) What criteria did you use to select these particular Philhellenes to feature?
E. N. In the early 19th century, thanks to the prevailing trends of the time, Western civilization took on an enthusiastic Hellenocentric character, and public opinion was ready to embrace a new philhellenic movement and support the Greeks’ struggle for the liberation of Greece, which is the cradle of its civilization. A distinct chapter in the Revolution of 1821 is undoubtedly the Philhellenes and their contribution to the Struggle for independence. Philhellenism emerges as a timeless current in history, fueled by the intellectual radiance of Hellenism, as well as a key link in the liberation.
Among the Philhellenes were Romantic intellectuals, politicians, merchants, and people who helped prepare for and ensure the successful outcome of the Greek Revolution of 1821, whether through their participation in military operations, or by providing financial support, or by creating writings and works of art, or through other actions aimed at promoting the Greek cause abroad. Even at the cost of their own lives.
Unfortunately, however, apart from a few iconic figures (Lord Byron, Victor Hugo, and others), many other philhellenes have been consigned to the oblivion of time, as has the movement of solidarity with the rebellious Greeks.
So, with this book, we have sought to uncover and shed light on memories, life stories, experiences, and testimonies—long forgotten in the recesses of time— memories, experiences, and testimonies from the lives of people who loved Greece as their second homeland, who played a decisive role in the development of the revolutionary struggle and proved it by sacrificing even their lives—the Philhellenes.
4) How demanding is historical research when writing a book with historical content?
E. N. I would say it was particularly demanding. It took countless hours of research, study, and cross-checking information in order to accurately portray the lives and activities of the Philhellenes. We drew on many historical sources, and there is not a trace of fiction, even though the first-person narrative might suggest otherwise. The pandemic also posed a significant obstacle to the entire project, as it was not easy for us to access libraries, antique shops, archives, etc. Nevertheless, with perseverance, enthusiasm, determination, and a love of history, we succeeded.
As for the presentation of the content, we aimed with precision and objectivity at Historical Truth, which is why we relied on archival sources, the bibliography, and, of course, a critical distillation of oral tradition—where its contribution was naturally required—as our wise guide.
I mention this because this book was written with respect and integrity toward that end. We tried to distance ourselves from emotionalism—though it was admittedly difficult—and to remain consistent and honest with our readers.
5) How was the book received by the reading public?
A. E. Both books, "The Female Athletes* and *The Philhellenes", were very well received by the reading public, rewarding the tireless efforts of everyone involved in their creation. They sparked a spirit of exploration, creativity, and discussion. Students, together with their teachers, staged a play based on a script they wrote using information from the books and conducted imaginary interviews with the Philhellenes. We are grateful for all of this!
6) What do the lives and actions of the Philhellenes teach us?
A. E. The Philhellenes played an important role in the Greeks’ seemingly hopeless struggle for liberation. For the most part, people from all walks of life—inspired on the one hand by their admiration for Ancient Greece and on the other by the liberal spirit of the era—left their families and and their jobs in order to help the Greeks in their unequal struggle against the occupiers. Love and admiration for Greece were their driving forces. This love helped a people’s struggle to hold on to their small land, their small universe, to piece together its scattered fragments with the goal of liberation.
Love, then, is that simple word that teaches us that Greece is not merely a country, but a living organism. The Greeks associated life with light. And the Philhellenes saw it, felt it. They were not afraid; they dared; they fought for love, justice, truth, and light. Because that is what they had to do. Because the destruction of Greek civilization was no trivial matter, especially at a time when the nations of Europe and America were striving to usher in a new era and emerge from the darkness of the Middle Ages into the light.
The authors of the book, Elena Davlamanou (left) and Athanasia Eleftherouli (right), at a presentation of their book
7) How important is the educational use of philhellenism and, by extension, books on the subject?
E. N. In both our individual and collective lives, looking back at the past is not only necessary for understanding the present. It is also necessary for appreciating the hard-won achievements that are worth preserving for the future. This book is a small tribute to all the sincere admirers and champions of the Greek national ideal who defended and fought for the human values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights, and social justice. The Philhellenes were inspired by the finest moments of our tradition; they aligned themselves with the principles, values, and ideals of Greek civilization; they envisioned the future; they sacrificed their fortunes, and many of them even their very lives. Numerous historical sources were consulted, and there is not a trace of fiction. It is a book of knowledge, faith, hope, and love for freedom—an effort to inspire us, to draw valuable lessons, to fill our souls with light from the glorious past, and to look toward the future with courage and self-confidence.
In my view, as Greeks, we have a duty to honor our national liberation revolution—the one that granted us freedom and led to the establishment of our nation—with the respect it deserves, in every way possible. At the same time, however, it is also an occasion for reflection. Freedom and the consolidation of our national identity within its civic, political, and social context are put to the test and evaluated every day. And we have a duty to expand civil society, helping every Greek woman and every Greek man to consolidate, two centuries later, their sense of citizenship.
8) April includes two important days: World Children’s Book Day (April 2) and the Day of Philhellenism and International Solidarity (April 19). Could you send us a message in honor of these two days?
A. E. A book is an open window to the world. It holds all of humanity’s wisdom and experience. It becomes one’s eternal teacher and keeps one company during life’s difficult moments. Through it, people find entertainment, communicate, and converse with all the wise people of the world; they become partakers of their ideas and help ensure that history and the roles of its protagonists are not forgotten. The Philhellenism movement and its decisive contribution to the history of modern Greece stand as a shining example of international solidarity among nations. Peoples must live in fellowship and support one another. Our country—as the birthplace of the sacred institutions of hospitality and supplication—has demonstrated deep feelings of solidarity both in the past and in the present. May these books and the Philhellenes serve as beacons of light to guide our children.
We warmly thank the two authors for the interview. We wish them continued creativity and prolific writing!
