The Best Books about Greece

by Mary Howard
- June 15, 2024

The Best Books on Greece

1. Greece: A Biography of a Contemporary Nation – Roderick Beaton
2. The Emergence of Athens: The Account of the World`s Greatest Civilization – Anthony Everitt
3. Top Areas and Coastlines on Koh Samui Island

4. A Story of Oppression and Resistance – Nicholas Gage
5. The Odyssey – Homer
6. Zorba the Greek – Nikos Kazantzakis
7. The Colossus of Maroussi – Henry Miller
8. Santorini: Portrait of a Vanished Era – Robert A. McCabe and Margarita Pournara
9. Santorini: Natural History, Myths, and Volcanic Landscape – Walter L Friedrich
10. My Greek Table: Authentic Flavors and Modern Home Cooking from My Kitchen to Yours – Diane Kochilas
11. Modern Greek Cooking: 100 Recipes for Meze, Entrées, and Desserts – Pano Karatassos and Jane Sigal
12. World Food Greece – Susanna Tee

A highly recommended book covering the postwar history of Europe, titled Postwar: A History of Europe since 1945 – Tony Judt, containing substantial information on Greece during World War II and afterwards, is mentioned.

The Best Books Set in Greece

Eleni – Nicholas Gage
A haunting and inspirational true story in which a New York Times investigative reporter returns to his northern Greek homeland to unravel the mystery of his mother, a heroic woman who struggled to ensure her children’s survival and escape from the violence of the Greek Civil War. Non-fiction that reads similar to a novel.
A famous book about Greek culture and society
An introverted narrator moves to Crete in the early 20th century to work at an abandoned mining site for lignite. Soon after, a lively and larger-than-average Greek coworker accompanies them and eventually transforms their way of thinking and experiencing the world.
Activities for children visiting Greece

In this seminal piece of travel writing, the famous creator and his friend Lawrence Durrell (see Prospero’s Cell, below) explore the landscape of Greece, Corfu, and Crete just before World War II. Henry Miller has stated that of all his books, this is his preferred.

Corelli’s Mandolin: A Novel – Louis de Bernieres
Sweeping and elegantly-written historical romance in which a young woman on the Greek island of Cephallonia faces a dilemma between two love interests amid the island’s Italian occupation during World War II.
This link details a book that recounts the writings of Gerald Durrell from his time on the island of Corfu.
For fans of the BBC series “ The Durrells in Corfu” or the writings of Gerald and Larwence Durrell, this book narrates the real-life story of the Durrell family. Included are details of their lives before and after living in Corfu, and lives of the characters that feature prominently during their lives on the island.
The Corfu Trilogy – Tales from Gerald Durrell
Charming series of memoirs ( My Family and Other Animals,Birds, Beasts, and Relatives, and Garden of the Gods) that explores a young boy’s move (along with his quirky family, including his older brother Lawrence, whose Prospero’s Cell also features on this list) from Britain to Greece in the 1930s, and his discovery of the wonders of Corfu’s flora, fauna, people, and culture. Recently adapted as an award-wining television series by BBC Masterpiece.
The Island – Victoria Hislop
Historical novel set in a Greek seaside village in World War II. A 25 year-old British woman journeys to Crete to unravel the mysteries of her mother’s homeland and the former leper colony that haunts her family’s history.
Minor Frivolities: Stories – Panos Karnezis
A series of interrelated brief narratives featuring the diverse and unconventional personalities who inhabit a small, unnamed Greek village. Imaginative, darkly comical, and lyrically written
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An adventurous travel writer, described by some as a mix of Indiana Jones, James Bond, and Graham Greene, explores the rugged southern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. Along with beautiful and descriptive accounts of the countryside (a dictionary is sometimes needed) are excerpts on Byzantine history, Greek culture and religion, and more. Companion to Roumeli, which chronicles the author’s journey through northern Greece, such as the phenomenal Meteora monasteries.

North of Ithaka – Eleni Gage
The granddaughter of the heroic woman featured in the book Eleni (see above) travels back to her ancestral Greek village to rebuild her grandparents’ former home.
A book about the landscape and people of the Greek island Corfu
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Eloquently composed and beautifully written, this selection of travel essays is made up from the creator’s 1935-1939 diary entries, during his time spent living on the island of Corfu. Thoughts on philosophy and Greek culture are found alongside evocative descriptions and everyday adventures with Durrell’s wife, Nancy, and his family circle. (Lawrence Durrell is the older sibling of Gerald Durrell, whose Corfu Trilogy also represents on this list

Scorpionfish – A novel by Natalie Bakopoulos
A Greek-Americann female moves back to her family’s home in Greece following the tragic demise of her parents, renews connections with old acquaintances, and is inspired by new neighbours and the surrounding city. Very descriptive of the modern-day city and culture of Athens.

The Best Books on Greek History and Culture

My Greek Table: Authentic Flavors and Modern Home Cooking from My Kitchen to Yours – Diane Kochilas

Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation – Roderick Beaton
This exhaustive overview of present day Greek history, culture, politics, and language is an extraordinary and well-adjusted presentation to the arrangement and advancement of present day Greece.
A publication discussing the volcanic geology, mythology, and history of Santorini is Walter L Friedrich`s `Santorini: Volcano, Natural History, Mythology`.
Excellent overview of Santorini’s history that explores the island’s unique geology and its popular, cultural, and mythological pasts. A great text for learning more about Santorini before embarking on a trip or after returning.
A publication depicting the vanished era of the Greek island of Santorini through photographs and writing.
Stunning black-and-white photography of the scenery, structures, and inhabitants from 1950s-60’s era Santorini, before the island was overwhelmed with cruise ship tourists.
The renowned epic poem by Homer
A cornerstone of Greek history and culture, this epic poem skillfully blends factual accounts and mythology in narrating Odysseus’ difficult ten-year voyage back to his kingdom after the Trojan War. Wonderfully translated into English, it offers lyrical depictions appealing to all readers.
1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Changed – Eric Cline
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Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times – Thomas R. Martin
.” retains all elements as stated in the original A straightforward overview of ancient Greek political, military, social, and cultural history from the stone age to the fourth century B.C.
A publication titled “The Greek Way” by author Edith Hamilton touching upon Greek culture.
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The Epic Poem – Homer
Epic lyrical poem that recounts the Trojan War. This version features an excellent introduction, and each chapter begins with a synopsis in straightforward English.
The Life of Greece (The Story of Civilization #2) – Will Durant
This second volume from an eleven-part series chronicling human civilization from ancient China to the early 19th century centers on Greece`s contribution to evolving modern human culture, politics, and civilization.
A Captivating Guide to the Essential Bronze Age Minoan Society in Ancient Greece Known as the Minoan Civilization – Captivating Insights
A brief overview of Minoan civilization basics in the Aegean Greek islands. Unlikely to satisfy serious historians but provides a fair primer before visiting Crete.
The Mycenaeans: An Captivating Guide to the First Advanced Civilization in Ancient Greece – Captivating History
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A Graphical Historical Account of the Greeks by Diane Harris Cline
Exhaustive and well-written summary of Greek history and culture, from ancient times to modern day. Chock-full of great photos, illustrations, and maps.

The Best Books about Greek Mythology

A novel by Madeline Miller following the myth of Circe
The novelist responsible for Song of Achilles, an acclaimed work of fiction, returns with a suspenseful account focusing on Circe, a misunderstood sorceress and exiled deity. It achieved notable commercial success as highlighted by its placement on the New York Times bestseller list.
Myths: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes – Edith Hamilton
Classic and consistently top-selling collection of narratives from Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology. The 75th Anniversary edition incorporates beautiful colored illustrations.
Song of Achilles – A novel by Madeline Miller
This popular novel from The New York Times tells the classic story of Achilles and the Trojan War from the viewpoint of Patroclus, Achilles` loyal companion and soulmate. Captivating and beautifully written.
Anthology of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Creatures – Donna Jo Napoli (National Geographic)
Beautifully-illustrated and approachable, this book introduces 25 characters from ancient Greek Mythology. A great reference or introduction to mythology for kids, the family tree and “cast of characters” page is especially helpful.

The Best Books on Greek Language

Mary Norris providing insight into the Greek language
Grecophile and New Yorker editor Mary Norris explores her love of all things Greek – and especially the Greek language. Charming and cheeky.
A publication
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A LANGUAGE MAP OF GREEK – Kristine K. Kershul
A small, light, easily transportable list of common words and phrases that a visitor might need to use on a trip to Greece. In this guide, Greek words are written using the English alphabet.

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A well-written introduction to the Greek alphabet, useful for those aiming to read Greek, not just speak it.

The Best Greek Cookbooks

A book focusing on authentic Greek cooking and recipes for the home: Diane Kochilas’ My Greek Table: Authentic Flavors and Modern Home Cooking from My Kitchen to Yours
An excellent accompaniment to the author’s PBS cooking show of the same name, but a worthy cookbook in its own right. Excellent, easy to follow recipes for Greek and Mediterranean staples.
Modern Greek Cooking: 100 Recipes for Starters, Main Courses, and Desserts – Pano Karatassos and Jane Sigal
Contemporary interpretations of traditional Greek cuisine, from the renowned chef at Atlanta’s Kyma restaurant. Includes excellent photography and guide to Greek wine pairings.
This link is for a book that explores the cuisine and culinary traditions of Greece.
Provides a solid introduction to traditional Greek cuisine, including details on Greek culture. Helpful step-by-step instructions, useful tips, and flexible recipe variations.