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$65.00
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The Special bibliophile first edition of 250 copies is sold out at the publisher but we have a handful of copies. Each copy is signed, stamped, individually numbered and printed by Drukkerij Robstolk Amsterdam. It was hardbound in green linen with gold foil blocking with inside papers of 120 gsm Kamiko Suna and the book block is hand treated. Book is in new condition and still sealed in the publishers box and wrapping.
Published by Kurt Ward
About this book:
This is a mythological portrait of my struggle for self-actualization to integrate the conscious with the unconscious. Or to put it in another way, an illustrated fantasy which conjures a world in which archetypal characters from Greek mythology battle for dominance as Endymion, the main character attempts to wake himself from endless sleep. It is a part-epic battle, part-psychotherapeutic journey written in poetic meter as one continuous dream where Jupiter, Diana (manifesting in all three aspects of Hekate, Artemis, and Selene, Zephyrus, Hermes and Endymion wrestle with reason, fear, hope and divine inspiration.
Carl Jung created the term “active imagination” to describe a conscious method of experimentation by harnessing the creative imagination to bridge the gap with the unconscious mind with trance-like visions. This best describes how my work took shape when I was writing or should I say experiencing the first draft at the age of 27.
Thirty years later, the pandemic of 2020 resurfaced those same eternal questions about life, death and our relationship to the universe. The long hours of mandated isolation created the space to revisit my visions and decipher the symbols of that experience.
I spent much of my time during those lockdowns piecing together the fragments of my writings for this publication.
This unacted play is written in four acts and is lushly illustrated by the celebrated artist Rebecca Yanovskaya. I have also included a detailed reference section with personal commentaries and explanations on the archaic symbols and historical references used in the text and images.
Endymion or The State of Entropy: A Lyrical Drama by Kurt R. Ward - Signed Limited Edition Hardcover
Miskatonic Books | P.O. Box 204, Laurel MT 59044, United States
Having delved into numerous books, I’ve seldom encountered one that rivals the creativity found within these pages. Many authors and artist claim to pour their essence into their work, but Ward actually achieves this with unparalleled depth, forging a profound connection with the reader that transcends mere words. It’s a rare gift, requiring empathy and intuition from the reader. Some creations possess the power to reshape destinies, forever altering the path of those who encounter them. This book, much like a cherished ritual, belongs to that select category of golden insights that one thanks the stars for stumbling upon. If you are a fan of mythology and individuation then this is a valuable resource.
For aficionados of Keats, or Shelley, this tome is a must-read. My two favorites from this vain are William Blake and Coleridge and Ward has a unique voice yet seems cut from a similar cloth. Ward’s narrative is unique yet complemented by the lush illustrations of Rebecca Yanovskaya, adding an additional layer of visual enchantment to an already mesmerizing experience. This makes the ‘book’ feel more like an immersive ‘production’ as the visual potency is matched by the contents. Mythology enthusiasts will find themselves delighted by the mythological references throughout the narrative.
The State of Entropy earns a perfect score of 10/10 in my personal estimation.