There are many and varied critical evaluations of the work of Nikos Kazantzakis. The present Introduction brings together texts that express a broad spectrum of theoretical, aesthetic, and ideological views, in order to highlight in the most comprehensive way the intellectual interests of this multifaceted author.

The critical texts in question cover a period of about a century, from a critical comment in 1916 until today. The material is organized thematically, with chapters dedicated to Kazantzakis' poetry, his theatrical, travel, and autobiographical works, as well as to the six major novels of his maturity.

The introductory chapter focuses on works that can be considered preparatory for those that followed, while the last presents a series of opposing views regarding the moral, political, and religious ideas contained in the work of the Cretan author.

[Excerpt from the publisher's or edition's presentation text]