51ĀŅĀ×

In a literary journey that bridges continents and centuries, is bringing the spirit of Greece to Appalachian Ohio with the release of two newly translated novels by renowned Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis: ā€œā€ and ā€œ.ā€

Kazantzakis, who also wrote ā€œZorba the Greekā€ and ā€œThe Last Temptation of Christ,ā€ was a 20th-century literary titan. Now, thanks to fresh translations by ā€”Kazantzakisā€™ granddaughter and a devoted steward of his literary legacyā€”his imaginative writing is being introduced to a new generation of readers. And where better to publish these stories than in Athensā€”Ohio, that is.

ā€œAlexander the Greatā€ follows the legendary conqueror from his boyhood in Macedonia to the farthest reaches of his empire. Narrated through the eyes of a trusted companion, this sweeping epic chronicles Alexanderā€™s legendary life story, blending history, myth and philosophy to portray him as both human and divine. ā€œAt the Palaces of Knossosā€ is a vivid account of the Minoan civilizationā€™s rise and fall. Following Theseus, Ariadne, Daedalus and Icarus, the plot explores power, freedom and fate on the rugged island of Crete.

The covers of both novels were designed by publicity assistant Jenna Reitz, BSVC ā€™25, during her senior year, showcasing the Pressā€™ .

ā€œOur student interns are a vital part of our publishing program, expanding their talent and OHIO education into transferable skills in a live publishing house,ā€ says Beth Pratt, director of 51ĀŅĀ× Press. ā€œThese cover designs are an example of a fresh Bobcat perspective on two perennial bestselling titles.ā€

The Kazantzakis books are a testament to whatā€™s possible when ancient stories meet modern minds, right here in Athens.

Laura AndrĆ© is the publicity and metadata manager at 51ĀŅĀ× Press.

Book cover images courtesy 51ĀŅĀ× Press