Book Description

This is not a full biography of Ioannis Metaxas, only a political biography, a political profile of the man, a prosopography. What is presented here is a political portrait drawn mainly, in not exclusively, from Greek sources. The early years of his life, background, conduct and style in entering the world of Greek politics during the decade 1910-20, and his road to power from 1920 to 1936 receive the most scrutiny and attention. There is less emphasis on his 4th August Regime, beyond its relevance for an assessment of the man and his political performance. It follows very closely, even explicitly, his Diary, his own record of his own life, his correspondence, and the written evidence--diaries, reminiscences, memoirs, memoranda--of his close associates and his critics. Metaxas was erudite, a romantic about classical Greek civilization, his social-political priorities were loyalty, duty, civic values, and the supreme virtues; he elicited fear and resentment from his critics and enemies, respect and obedience from his political allies, supporters, and collaborators. Politically, Metaxas wished to be the leader of the people: he tended to be a populist who aimed at the establishment of a popular autocracy, using the monarch as a figurehead and symbol of national unity while he wielded actual power.