Emmanouel D. Rhoides

Born in Ermoupoli on the island of Syros, Emmanuel Rhoides (often also spelled Emmanouel D. Rhoides) came from a Chios family and spent part of his youth abroad, including in Genoa and Berlin. He became known as a writer, journalist, and translator, and is widely regarded as one of the major voices of 19th-century Greek literature.

His most famous book, Pope Joan (The Papess Joanne), appeared in 1866 and brought him international attention. The novel uses mock-scholarly style and biting humor to satirize religious institutions and historical storytelling, and it stirred strong controversy in its time.

Rhoides also wrote essays and criticism, and he played an important part in the development of modern Greek prose style. Remembered for his intelligence, irony, and fearless tone, he remains a distinctive literary figure whose work bridges learned parody and lively social observation.