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Translated and adapted from the Greek of Emmanuel Royidis
In this brilliant adaptation of a novel by the nineteenth
century Greek author Emmanuel Royidis, Lawrence Durrell traces
the remarkable history of a young woman who travelled across
Europe in the ninth century disguised as a monk, acquired
great learning and ruled over Christendom for two years as
Pope John VIII before her sudden and surprising death. When
Papissa Joanna was first published in Athens in 1886
it created a sensation. The book was banned and its author
excommunicated. It nevertheless brought him immediate fame
and the work established itself securely in the history of
modern Greek literature. Subsequently Durrell, one of the
most important British writers of the twentieth century, created
a masterpiece in its own right – a dazzling concoction
presented with the deftest touch.
‘Brilliant.’ – The
Times
‘A sophisticated literary delight.’ – Publishers
Weekly
‘A sharp satire . . . acutely funny . . . salacious.’ – Spectator
‘One of the funniest novels ever written . . . A true
classic.’ – Punch
LAWRENCE DURRELL (1912 – 1990)
was born in India and spent most of his working life outside
Britain, living in France, Cyprus, Yugoslavia, Argentina
and Corfu. A writer of great versatility whose work included
drama, poetry and travel literature, he is probably best
known for his Alexandria
Quartet
which has become one of the most widely read and influential
works of the century. Eschewing the values of modern life,
he favoured of a blend of ancient ‘magic’ and ‘total
sexual liberation’. |
