The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog

Renowned playwright Eugene O'Neill composed this work in 1940 to comfort his wife about the death of their Dalmatian, Blemie. Better known for his despairing and pessimistic dramas, O'Neill's touching piece, written in the voice of the dying pet, is somehow uplifting and joyous in its touching memory of a life shared between owner and animal. It is sure to comfort anyone experiencing the loss of a beloved, furry member of the family. This short work is part of Applewood's "American Roots," series, tactile mementos of American passions by some of America's most famous writers.

ISBN-13: 9781429096072

Media Type: Hardcover

Publisher: Arcadia Publishing SC

Publication Date: 10-28-2014

Pages: 24

Product Dimensions: 4.10(w) x 6.60(h) x 0.30(d)

Series: American Roots

Mark Andresen is an award winning illustrator and designer living in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been a magazine art director, as well as a freelance designer working with numerous agencies, universities and hospitals. He is also a designer and published author of two books: one on post-Katrina New Orleans, and "The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog," an illustrated book on dogs with text by American playwright Eugene O'Neill. Most notable has been his typography with Emigre Type Foundry in California. His design work is in the permanent collection of the Cooper Hewitt Design Museum in NYC.

Read an Excerpt

"After our first dog, Cadie, died, it took a long time for my wife and me to bring another dog into our lives. Cadie was smart and active, protective and loyal, but mostly she was our beloved first child. My wife adopted her when we were in college. Cadie lived nineteen years before my two young boys and I, connected by phone with my wife at work, listened to Cadie take her last breaths on the floor of our bedroom. There would never be another like her; she was my wife's other soul mate. I wish I had found this beautiful message from Blemie to share with my wife then. It would have been salve for both our hurts." —Phil Zuckerman, Publisher