Patrick Leigh Fermor

Patrick Leigh Fermor (11 February 1915 – 10 June 2011) was a British author, scholar, and soldier, best known for his travel writing and for his role in the Cretan resistance during World War II. His most famous works include A Time of Gifts and Between the Woods and the Water, which recount his journey on foot from the Netherlands to Constantinople in the 1930s.

Early Life

Patrick Michael Leigh Fermor was born in London, but spent much of his early life abroad due to his parents' travels. His education was erratic, attending schools in England but never settling for long. His academic performance was poor, but he showed an early interest in literature and history. At the age of 18, disillusioned with his schooling, Fermor decided to embark on a journey across Europe, an experience that would greatly influence his later writing.

World War II

During World War II, Leigh Fermor joined the British Army and was posted to Crete, where he played a significant role in the Cretan resistance. His most notable achievement was the kidnapping of General Kreipe, a German commander, which he executed with a team of Cretan partisans and fellow British officer Billy Moss. This operation was later immortalized in Moss's book Ill Met by Moonlight, which was also adapted into a film.

Writing Career

After the war, Leigh Fermor turned to writing, drawing upon his extensive travels and experiences. His works are celebrated for their rich descriptions, historical depth, and lyrical prose. A Time of Gifts (1977) and Between the Woods and the Water (1986) detail his journey across Europe in the 1930s, while Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese (1958) and Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece (1966) explore Greek culture and landscapes. Despite the acclaim, Leigh Fermor was known for his slow writing process, often taking years to complete his books.

Legacy

Patrick Leigh Fermor's contributions to literature and his adventurous spirit have made him a legendary figure. He was knighted in 2004 for his services to literature and to UK-Greek relations. His life and works continue to inspire travelers and writers alike. Leigh Fermor's residence in Kardamyli, Mani, a region he deeply loved, has been turned into a writer's retreat, ensuring his legacy endures.

Selected Works

• A Time of Gifts (1977)
• Between the Woods and the Water (1986)
• Mani: Travels in the Southern Peloponnese (1958)
• Roumeli: Travels in Northern Greece (1966)

See Also

• Cretan resistance
• World War II in Crete
• Travel literature