Comments on Mining Memories on Cyprus

“A fascinating story, an invaluable document about a family life connected with the reviving of the mining history of Cyprus in the first quarter of the 20^th century. The adventurous travel of the family from America to this Mediterranean island and the day-to-day description of life at Skouriotissa, the world’s oldest copper mine, are presented in an elegant style along with the background of the historic and cultural events. Enriched and documented with characteristic and carefully selected photographs, it will attract the interest of the reader all through its pages.”

— Constantinos Xydas, Chief Executive of the Hellenic Copper Mines Ltd (current operator of the Skouriotissa mines)

“A charming narrative, personal memories and nostalgic experiences of a “colonial elite” living in a monastery and shaping the first attempts of industrialisation in Cyprus in the 1920s. The book unfolds a united outlook of a sadly presently divided island, while the photographs also housed at the Centre of Visual Arts and Research here in Nicosia are a real testimony to our past and heritage.”

— Dr. Rita C. Severis, Executive Director, Costas and Rita Severis Foundation, Nicosia, Cyprus

“William Everett brings to life in the best possible way the memories and accounts of his grandparents who came to Cyprus to work and live at the newly rediscovered copper mine of Skouriotissa. The book is an interesting read both because it provides a rare view of the early history of modern mining on Cyprus, the island which gave copper its Latin name, but also because it offers a rare opportunity to see the island in the nineteen-twenties through their eyes and remarkable photographs.”

— Prof. Vasiliki Kassianidou. Director of the Archaeological Research Unit, University of Cyprus

“Telling a story of both the physical hardships of mining as well the challenges of integrating into a foreign culture and society very different from their own, this personal account blends both history and the author’s search for his own past and deeper identity, through family letters, journals and pictures.”

— Natalie Hami, journalist, Nicosia, Cyprus, and blogger at www.mcmkmk.org (“My Cyprus, my Kupros, my Kibris”)