Hydra Chronicles - The Writers of Hydra Island

Hydra attracts writers who appreciate its creative pedigree, atmosphere and charm of Hydra Island, Greece, established from the 1930s. Today's writers follow in the footsteps of literary greats such as George Katsimbalis , the poet/diplomat Giorgos Seferis  who was a founding member of The Generation of the '30s (1930's). Novelists Henry Miller , Lawrence Durrell & travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor who stayed with artist Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas (1940-50s). And in the 1960s, novelists, Axel Jensen ,  George Johnston & journalist/writer Charmian Clift (1960s).

While living and writing on Hydra (1960-67), Leonard Cohen published one book of poetry, two novels and started to write the song 'Bird On A Wire'. He wrote much material for his songs during this period but none of it was recorded until after he left the island.