Signed, Kostas Varnalis - Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης / Penelope's Diary, First Edition - 1947






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Kostas Varnalis, signed and dedicated, first edition of Penelope's Diary (Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης), a 1947 Greek softback published by Korydallos Editions, 145 pages.
Description from the seller
A rare and highly collectible signed and dedicated first edition of Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης (Penelope’s Diary), the celebrated satirical novel by Kostas Varnalis, one of the most important figures of modern Greek literature.
Published in Athens in 1947 by Korydallos Editions, this original edition bears the author’s handwritten dedication and signature, making it an exceptional literary artifact with strong provenance.
In this subversive reinterpretation of Homeric myth, Varnalis radically reshapes the figure of Penelope. No longer the passive, faithful wife of the Odyssey, she emerges as an autonomous and forceful protagonist—ruling the palace, asserting her desires, and openly challenging patriarchal authority. Through satire and irony, Varnalis dismantles traditional heroic ideals, offering a sharp critique of power, morality, and gender roles in modern society.
The novel stands as a key example of Varnalis’ mature prose, combining satire, political insight, and literary innovation, and reflects the broader intellectual climate of post-war Greece.
Bibliographic Details
Author: Kostas Varnalis (1884–1974)
Title: Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης – Σατιρική μυθιστορία
English title: Penelope’s Diary
Publisher: Εκδόσεις Κορυδαλλού (Korydallos Editions), Athens
Year: 1947
Edition: First edition
Pages: 145
Language: Greek
Dimensions: approx. 18 cm × 13 cm
Binding: Original softcover
Signature: Hand-signed and dedicated by the author
Condition
Good vintage condition with expected age-related wear consistent with use.
Interior clean and complete. Please consult the photographs for an accurate assessment.
Collectability
Signed and dedicated first edition
Post-war Greek literary landmark
Important work of satirical prose
Highly desirable for collectors of modern Greek literature, political satire, and author-signed books
Shipping
Carefully packaged and shipped with tracking to ensure safe international delivery.
A rare and highly collectible signed and dedicated first edition of Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης (Penelope’s Diary), the celebrated satirical novel by Kostas Varnalis, one of the most important figures of modern Greek literature.
Published in Athens in 1947 by Korydallos Editions, this original edition bears the author’s handwritten dedication and signature, making it an exceptional literary artifact with strong provenance.
In this subversive reinterpretation of Homeric myth, Varnalis radically reshapes the figure of Penelope. No longer the passive, faithful wife of the Odyssey, she emerges as an autonomous and forceful protagonist—ruling the palace, asserting her desires, and openly challenging patriarchal authority. Through satire and irony, Varnalis dismantles traditional heroic ideals, offering a sharp critique of power, morality, and gender roles in modern society.
The novel stands as a key example of Varnalis’ mature prose, combining satire, political insight, and literary innovation, and reflects the broader intellectual climate of post-war Greece.
Bibliographic Details
Author: Kostas Varnalis (1884–1974)
Title: Το ημερολόγιο της Πηνελόπης – Σατιρική μυθιστορία
English title: Penelope’s Diary
Publisher: Εκδόσεις Κορυδαλλού (Korydallos Editions), Athens
Year: 1947
Edition: First edition
Pages: 145
Language: Greek
Dimensions: approx. 18 cm × 13 cm
Binding: Original softcover
Signature: Hand-signed and dedicated by the author
Condition
Good vintage condition with expected age-related wear consistent with use.
Interior clean and complete. Please consult the photographs for an accurate assessment.
Collectability
Signed and dedicated first edition
Post-war Greek literary landmark
Important work of satirical prose
Highly desirable for collectors of modern Greek literature, political satire, and author-signed books
Shipping
Carefully packaged and shipped with tracking to ensure safe international delivery.
