Nikos Kazantzakis (1883 - 1957) is modern Greece's most renowned - some say notorious - writer. His books are wide-ranging and include "Zorba the Greek" and "The Last Temptation of Christ", among many others.
1. Zorba the Greek
Cretans are quick to point out that the so-called "Zorba the Greek" was actually a Cretan, as was Nikos Kazantzakis himself. (The book's title in Greek is simply "Alexis Zorba").
2. God's Pauper
This time, Kazantzakis turns to the life story of St. Francis of Assisi.3. Journeying
Nikos Kazantzakis now conquers travel writing with this account of his own journeys in Cyprus, Italy, Egypt and elsewhere in the Mediterranean world.4. The Last Temptation of Christ
Possibly Kazantzakis' most controversial novel, it describes a "what-if" scenario of Jesus' life had he made other choices on his path to Calgary.5. The Odyssey
Doubting that Odysseus would stay home with Penelope for long, Kazantzakis traces a return journey to the land of the Phaecians and a liaison with the Princess Nausicaa (whom Kazantzakis evidently did not get enough of in the original Odyssey!).6. The Greek Passion
An intriguing novel set in the declining years of the Turkish Occupation. It delves deep into the impact of Christianity on the lives of local villagers when a group of them are cast to perform in the annual Easter play, and are exhorted to live their lives as their characters for the ensuing year.7. Report to Greco
This is a moving book about a journey Kazantzakis took in Crete when he was a young man. It's a great book to read on the plane to Greece. Many of the spots he walked to can now be easily reached by car if you want to recreate some of his journeys. But he was no "mere" tourist - (but is any traveler?). His quest was for knowledge and personal enlightenment. It's available widely in Greece, including the Athens Airport bookshop, and especially on Crete.
