RHIGAS VELESTINLIS: THE PROTOMARTYR OF THE GREEK REVOLUTION

Rhigas of Velestino (1757-1798), popularly known as Rhigas Pheraios, is one of the greatest national heroes of modern Greece. He first conceived the possibility of a national revolution to free his country from the domination of its Ottoman overlords; his aim, however, was not simply an armed rebellion but a regeneration of his people, through education, literature and social and political awareness. This book is the first comprehensive study of Rhigass life and ideas in English.