In this Salmon Poetry edition of Imagining Alexandria, acclaimed novelist Louis de Bernières pays lyrical tribute to the great Greek poet Constantine P. Cavafy. Through this poignant and imaginative collection, de Bernières channels the spirit of Cavafy’s Alexandria—a city of faded grandeur, longing, and sensual memory. Blending classical themes with modern insight, these poems reflect on love, exile, aging, and the haunting beauty of the past. Written with elegance and sensitivity, Imagining Alexandria invites readers into a world where history and emotion converge, illuminating the timeless relevance of Cavafy’s legacy through a contemporary voice.
With Illustrations by Donald Sammut
Louis de Bernières is a British novelist, poet, and playwright best known for his international bestseller Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Novel in 1995 and was later adapted into a major film. Born in London in 1954, de Bernières has published numerous novels, short stories, and poetry collections, often blending historical settings with richly drawn characters and philosophical depth. His work reflects a deep love of language, music, and travel.
