Until recently, modern Greek literature in translation was a scarce commodity. Now, largely thanks to Athens-based publishing house Kedros , a body of contemporary Greek writing is now available in English. Launched in 1991, Kedros' Modern Greek Writers series now includes some 32 titles.

Kedros is one of the oldest and most eclectic publishers in Greece , with roughly 2000 works to its name, including the poetry of Yannis Ritsos . Kedros' aim is "to make Greek literature better known beyond the borders of Greece". The inclusion of lesser known works and younger authors presents a rounded picture of the contemporary Greek novel. The Modern Greek Writers series includes modern classics, such as Dido Sotiriou's best-seller Farewell Anatolia , a vivid exploration of the Asia Minor disaster, and Stratis Tsirkas' wartime trilogy Drifting Cities , set in Jerusalem, Cairo and Alexandria.

This holistic philosophy is reflected in the editions: rather than using an illustrative image, a photograph of the author adorns each cover. Besides giving unity to the series, this emphasizes Kedros' commitment to introducing Greek authors - rather than isolated works - to the international market.

By spreading the word, Modern Greek Writers makes Greek literature available to philhellenes, students of European literature, and those who read novels simply for pleasure.