When Leigh Fermor—a dashing autodidact and World War II hero, considered by some to be the greatest travel writer of the twentieth century—died in 2011, at ninety-six, he had been afflicted by a writer’s block that had lasted a quarter of a century. But it turns out that the third volume of his account of youthful travels on foot across Europe was, in a way, already complete.

Patrick Leigh Fermor, one of travel literature’s most colorful, beguiling pedestrians, famously decided to walk across Europe when he was 18. Why not?...

Patrick Leigh Fermor (1915-2011)

When Leigh Fermor—a dashing autodidact and World War II hero, considered by some to be the greatest travel writer of the twentieth century—died in 2011, at ninety-six, he had been afflicted by a writer’s block that had lasted a quarter of a century. But it turns out that the third volume of his account of youthful travels on foot across Europe was, in a way, already complete.

More than a year after the death of Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, the seafront home in Greece where the travel writer spent most of his adult life is falling into disrepair, and his wish that it should become a writers’ retreat has not been honoured.

The home of the late Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor in Mani is now a writers’ refuge. This is the story of the house and the couple who created it.

Recently discovered photos by Joan Leigh Fermor are a record of travels, marriage, friendships and an abiding love of her adopted homeland, Greece.

On the occasion of the publication of The Photographs of Joan Leigh Fermor: Artist and Lover, Ian Collins, who edited the collection together with Olivia Stewart, will give an illustrated presentation to be followed by a Q&A session.