Samuel June Barrows (1845-1909) was an American clergyman, U.S. representative, journalist, and a passionate human rights activist throughout his life. In addition, Barrows was a prolific writer and had many interests and talents. He composed musical works, poetry and accounts of his travels.
Barrows travelled to Greece with his wife and daughter. He was enthusiastic about visiting a country with such an rich and glorious past. The family sailed from Naples to Corfu, and then visited Cephalonia and Zakynthos, which had recently been hit by a devastating earthquake. They visited Ithaka as well and then reached Athens. They continued on to Central Peloponnese, Delphi, Hosios Loukas, Tempi, Meteora, Euboea and the Cyclades. Afterwards their voyage brought them then to Troy, where Barrows accompanied the German archaeologist Wilhelm Dörpfeld in his excavation in the Troad.
Barrows composed his account with the help of his daughter's travel journal. Extracts of the work were first published in magazines, while the complete edition, with a glossary of modern Greek words came out in 1898. Barrows describes and narrates simply, without pretending to erudition, and relates his emotions and experiences with engaging immediacy.

Written by Ioli Vingopoulou

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  Relief of “Mourning Athena” (Acropolis Museum).