Mitsos Papanikolaou (1900-1943) was born on the island of Hydra (Greece) but graduated from secondary school in Piraeus. He was a professional journalist, editor-in-chief of the Pedikos Astir and director of the Bouketo journals. He wrote poems and became known for his translations and literary criticism, working for various journals. His acquaintance and friendship with Napoleon Lapathiotis were catalytic. He died of a drug overdose after a period of absolute wretchedness.