Philippos Argenti (1981-1974) was the major benefactor and the most generous donator of the Library of Chios. Born in Marseille, he was the son of Pantelis Argenti and Phani Skylitsi. He studied literature at Oxford and then law at the University of Athens. He spoke many languages and was a hard-working man and a lifelong learner.

His literary interests and his love for the island of Chios inspired him to direct his attention to the study of Chios’ contemporary history. Thanks to his academic training, he understood the importance of studying primary sources in re-creating the history of the island.

After his death, he bequethed his immense academic production, which is considered a indispensable source for any research which aims at investigating Chios’ contemporary history.

Here are some of this most important books:

• The Expedition of the Florentines to Chios (1599), 1934
• The Occupation of Chios by the Venetians (1694), 1935
• Chius Vincta or The Occupation of Chios by the Turks (1566), 1941
• Diplomatic Archive of Chios (1577-1841), 1954
• The Occupation of Chios by the Genoese (1346-1566), 1958
• The Religious Minorities of Chios, 1970

Argenti helped the library in more than one ways. He donated over 10,000 volumes, which consisted of books and manuscripts. Since 1948, he personally undertook the construction of the Library’s additional floor. The upper floor housed the historic and folklore collection of the former Argenti Association. Moreover, the Argenti family donated money to finance a new addition to the library’s building (1975-78). Pantelis, Philippos’ son, continued the family’s tradition by helping renovating and rearranging the library with new equipment and beautiful decorations.

One of the Argenti family’s many donations to the library is a unique collection of paintings, which could very well constitute a Art Gallery in itself.

Philippos Argenti died in London in 1974. His work is a demonstration, par excellence, of a man’s love for his homeland.