Book of the month

05 Jul 2022

Gordon Home, Cyprus: Then and now, preface by Field Marshal Lord Harding, with numerous illustrations by the author, J.M. Dent & Sons LTD, 1960

Gordon Home, Cyprus: Then and now, preface by Field Marshal Lord Harding, with numerous illustrations by the author, J.M. Dent & Sons LTD, 1960.

“Cyprus [..] the small paradise that Nature intended her to be.”

Gordon Home was born in London, 25 July 1878. He was an English artist, author and illustrator. He served in the Royal Army Service Corps (1914-1920) and continued working in publishing after his service ended. He went on to write and illustrate history and travel books. Some of his prominent works where: Yorkshire, What to see in England, the English Lakes: a sketch-book, The evolution of an English town and Cyprus: Then and now.

Home’s enchanting storytelling starts from the prehistoric times and guides the reader through the centuries and the various rulers the island had till the late 1950s. The history of the island is made more accessible to the reader through Home’s unique writing style and charming illustrations. The illustrations can be recognized even by the modern visitor, while other pictures show how changes have taken place in recent years. A delightful read and to give credit to the author in his introduction: “My intention in writing this book has been to produce in readable and compact form a handy volume revealing as far as possible the remarkable pace that this unique island holds at the hub of the Middle East.’’ A thoroughly researched and well written book with wonderful drawings which don’t fall short of the writer’s intentions and captivate the eye by their beauty. Special attention is paid to the dramatic landscape of the island: “The sun-baked vineyards, the crystal clearness of the air, the fiery opal of sunsets, the winter snows of Turkey shining white over the sea, the soft mauve haze over the mountains and everywhere the galaxy of archaeological treasures that are strewn so prodigally.“

A most charming read for anyone who wants to get acquainted with the island’s history in a tale-like manner and be transported to Cyprus of the past

“Poor, unfortunate land, that by its very position was destined to be a bone of contention between past empires.”

Join us in the Research Centre of CVAR and request to view Major Homes Cyprus: then and now.

The 'Book of the Month' series is made possible with the support of OPAP (Cyprus).

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