Cavafy, Constantine P.

4to (278 x 221mm.), 18 leaves (written on one side only), a few leaves cut down or stuck together with tape, a working manuscript in ink with various deletions and amendments, initialled at the end "KPK", a few leaves slightly frayed (particularly the last leaf)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A rare autograph prose piece by Cavafy. Cavafy wrote few book reviews but he produced this one for the Alexandrian journal Grammata (published by his friend Pargas; see lot 225), in which it was published in 1918, issue 39, pp.686-690 (it was later reprinted in the journal Theatro in 1963 with comments by George Savvidis). The review praises Gregorios Papamichael's book, Ekklhsia kai Qeatro, published in Alexandria in 1916 by Ekklesiastikos Pharos and dedicated to the Patriarch of Alexandria.

The book was written after some negative press coverage of clergymen attending a theatrical performance in Athens in December 1913, and discusses whether clergymen should be allowed to do so. Cavafy's review, chapter by chapter, presents the author's main arguments, which are based on historical examples as well as careful examination of ecclesiastical rules. The author's positive attitude towards the issue finds Cavafy in agreement and only a few comments about unfortunate omissions or differences of opinion are to be found (Cavafy notes that it would have been useful if Papamichael had referred to contemporary playwrights, such as Xenopoulos or Horn).

Cavafy's personal interests can be traced through the review. He is eager to learn more about the city of Antioch, following a description of the city in Papamichael's book. His review contains eight footnotes, in the second of which Cavafy provides St John Chrysostom's negative comments about theatrical performances in order to explain why the Doctors of the Church were against them. The sixth footnote gives examples of medieval French religious plays, such as Bodel's Jeu de Saint-Nicolas, in support of Papamichael's argument that the medieval Church used the theatrical act to perform the Sacraments.