Hydra Chronicles - The Writers of Hydra Island

Hydra attracts writers who appreciate its creative pedigree, atmosphere and charm of Hydra Island, Greece, established from the 1930s. Today's writers follow in the footsteps of literary greats such as George Katsimbalis , the poet/diplomat Giorgos Seferis who was a founding member of The Generation of the '30s (1930's). Novelists Henry Miller , Lawrence Durrell & travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor who stayed with artist Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas (1940-50s). And in the 1960s, novelists, Axel Jensen , George Johnston & journalist/writer Charmian Clift (1960s).

While living and writing on Hydra (1960-67), Leonard Cohen published one book of poetry, two novels and started to write the song 'Bird On A Wire'. He wrote much material for his songs during this period but none of it was recorded until after he left the island.

"To recount the exploits of the men of Hydra would be to write a book about a race of madmen; it would mean writing the word DARING across the firmament in letters of fire."

Henry Miller, Colossos of Maroussi

Today's Writers

Authors who live on the island either full-time or part-time and regularly come to work on their latest manuscripts, inspired by the island's atmosphere of creativity and lack of modern distractions, include: