New book by and about Chris Janus
The World of Christopher Xenopoulos Janus is the tenth book by one of West Virginia’s most amazing native sons. Janus was born in Charleston in 1911, spent his early years in Montgomery, WV where he lost his father and sister to the world-wide flu pandemic in 1918. Since then he has traveled to Harvard, Oxford, the NY Times, helped the millions suffering in Greece after WWII, and in general promoted Greek-American culture as much or more than anyone.
In November 2007 The WV Labor History Association and The South Charleston Museum brought Mr. Janus back home, showing the film version of his autobiographical tale, “Goodbye, Miss Fourth of July.” St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church, the Best of Crete, and others also sponsored the great event that included free food provide by The Best of Crete. In this book, one of the proclamations signed by Gov. Manchin in honor of Greek-West Virginia Day is included along with a letter signed by legislators of Greece that was read at this event. It was one of the best events ever sponsored by The South Charleston Museum and WV Labor History Assn. which used the event to release its chapter on Greek-West Virginians for a forthcoming book WVLHA is publishing, co-edited by Dr. Fred Barkey and Cathy Pleska.
You can purchase the book by contacting Mr. Janus at his office in Wilmette, Illinois - 1420 Sheridan Rd, Apt. 6A, Wilmette, Il. 60091, 847-251-8812. $20.00.
There are about 50 separate pieces, some essays, photos, etc. with two introductions. 176 pages.
I read most of the articles when they were originally published elsewhere, and found them all very worthwhile. I think that you will too. Mr. Janus has been a global citizen unlike any other, setting a standard for all Greek-Americans and everyone else. His love of his native Greekculture and America are exceptional, and he has been able to meet many of the age’s great leaders.
Hopefully some day the DVD of “Goodbye, Miss Fourth of July” will be released, and WV school children can see Janus’ great story about life in early 20th century immigrant America.
May 3rd, 2008 at
[…] WVFILM wrote an interesting post today on New book by and about Chris JanusHere’s a quick excerpt The World of Christopher Xenopoulos Janus is the tenth book by one of West Virginia’s most amazing native sons. Janus was born in Charleston, spent his early years in Montgomery, WV where he lost his father and sister to the world-wide flu pandemic in 1918. Since then he has traveled to Harvard, Oxford, the NY Times, helped the millions suffering in Greece after WWII, and in general promoted Greek-American culture as much or more than anyone. (more…) […]