Isabel is an American artist and writer, who has lived with her husband on Skopelos for a number of years. Having an avid interest in history and culture, she has collected songs, stories and anecdotes from the people of Skopelos over many years and has now written a book "The Breath of Madness, on the isle of Skopelos an ancient rite endures". The book was sponsored by the municipality and 'honours the invaluable contribution of the citizens of Skopelos for preserving their cultural wealth through to the present day. We are particularly grateful to Ms Isabel Dempsey for her outstanding work, in which her regard and love for the island of Skopelos is apparent. ' ( Christos Vasiloudis, Mayor of Skopelos).
The new, beautifully illustrated book , with over 160 photographs, tells the fascinating secrets of the Carnival customs of Skopelos. They are among the most ancientin Greece, and yet they are little known outside this island. What are the originsof these curious ceremonies and what do they mean to the islanders who practice them?
"This beautifully illustrated book is a spellbinding fusion of scholarly research and imagery. Isabel Dempsey vividly captures the colour and vitality of Carnival in Skopelos, while uncovering the ancient origins and symbolic meaning of this springtime ritual. While documenting the current tradition, she has painstakingly researched its historic past to reveal, for the first time, the secrets of this fascinating folk custom. . An enthralling book that illuminates and preserves an important facet of Greek folk culture, Breath of Madness is a significant addition to the published work on the history and folklore of this island."
Available at the Folklore Museum of Skopelos and the Vakratsa Mansion Museum. Price €25.