Corfu, January 13 – The Corfu Port Authority (OLKE SA) and the Corfu Reading Society have once again joined forces to re-release the acclaimed bilingual historical album, “Corfu, A Journey Through Time.” This second edition comes in response to sustained public demand following the complete exhaustion of the initial 2019 print run.
A Collaboration Rooted in Cultural Preservation
The enduring partnership between OLKE SA and the Corfu Reading Society is dedicated to promoting the island’s rich history and vibrant culture. The reissue of this album serves as a testament to their shared commitment. The decision for a second edition was originally made by the late Spyros Zervopoulos, former CEO of OLKE SA, and its completion has been overseen by the current CEO, Dimitris Apergis. The publication is dedicated to Mr. Zervopoulos’s memory.
Exploring Corfu’s Historical Tapestry
Authored by Mr. Giannis Pieris, honorary president of the Corfu Reading Society, the album offers a comprehensive and accessible journey through Corfu’s historical trajectory, from antiquity to the present day. The luxurious, hardcover edition spans 180 pages, measuring 29×29 cm, and is enriched with 120 color photographs of artistic and historical documents. It is designed to appeal to both specialized scholars and the general public.
The book’s content is meticulously organized into 13 main sections and 28 subsections, providing a coherent narrative of Corfu’s past. Particular emphasis is placed on the continuity of the island’s culture, highlighting its Hellenic education, Orthodox faith, and Western European cultural influences.
From Myth to Modernity: A Detailed Chronology
The historical journey begins with the mythical era of the Phaeacians, followed by detailed accounts of Greek and Roman antiquity, the Byzantine period, and the Angevin occupation. A significant portion of the book, approximately 60 pages, is dedicated to the Venetian rule, analyzing its institutions, the church, sieges, education, architecture, and intellectual life.
Subsequent sections cover the Septinsular Republic, the French occupations, the British Protectorate, and the eventual Union with Greece. The work culminates with the chapter “Corfu’s Contribution to the Creation of Modern Greece,” which underscores the island’s pivotal role in shaping contemporary Greek identity.
Visual Richness and Institutional Support
The publication’s extensive visual material is drawn from the collections of various institutional bodies and private individuals, with a primary source being the collection of Mr. Spyros P. Gaoutsis. This provides readers with a rich mosaic of historical and artistic documentation.
At the close of the publication, the Administrative Committee of the Corfu Reading Society extends its gratitude to the Corfu Port Authority, as well as to Mr. Dimitris Apergis and Director Ms. Vasso Martzoukou, for their substantial and constructive collaboration.
The book is currently available for purchase at the Corfu Reading Society and selected bookstores. This reissue not only preserves but also makes accessible the profound historical and cultural heritage of Corfu for a new generation of readers and visitors.
