Constantine P. Cavafy

(1863-1933)
Born April 17, 1863 in Alexandria (Egypt). Descendant of an ancient kind of Constantinople, his ancestors from his father in the early 19. emigrated from Turkey to Egypt. From an early age Cavafy spoke in English and in French, in his childhood he lived in England. In 1878 he returned with his mother in Alexandria, in 18 years went to Istanbul, where he spent two years, then lived in Alexandria, he served in government offices.
Cavafy was recognized as a brilliant and original poet. His talent was uncovered relatively late, in his mature years, and the best works were written after forty years. Typically, this short works - poetry, epigrams, and, of course, poetry, inspired by the scenes of ancient history. Love poetry is full of Cavafy refined aestheticism and a sad sense of the transience of youth desires. He wrote in a deliberately simple, sometimes even seeming old-fashioned language, intricately alternating elegant purism style popular speech.

Cavafy in Alexandria, died April 29, 1933.