$15.00

Words and images by Viggo Mortensen

This small book contains a single long poem, written during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. It is illustrated with drawings made while listening to U.S. radio broadcasts largely concerned with the socio-political effects of the Trump presidency. Eudaimonia is an abstract Greek noun comprised of the words "eu" (good, well) and "daimon" (spirit). It is generally taken to refer to well-being or to living well. Definitions, a dictionary of Greek philosophical terms attributed to Plato himself, but thought by modern scholars to have been written by his immediate followers in the Academy, provides the following definition of the word eudaimonia: "The good composed of all goods; an ability which suffices for living well; perfection in respect of virtue; resources sufficient for a living creature." I suppose the word can also refer to the peace of mind that can come from accepting the vicissitudes of our bodies and the environments we inhabit, even as we struggle to adapt to and comprehend them. After all, there can hardly be well-being or living well if one refuses to acknowledge the inevitable ravages of nature and its endless ability to regenerate itself.

V.M.

Kavous Seyed is dead. We do not know if those responsible for his unlawful detention and murder will ever be held responsible. His work remains, however, and his compassion and brave work on behalf of endangered species in Iran will be continued by other activists, including scientists and artists like Naeemeh Naeemaei. In his honour, we offer the book of Naeemeh's remarkable paintings, Dreams Before Extinction, which includes a foreword by Kavous Seyed, free of any charge other than shipping cost, until our supply runs out (one per customer please).

Thank you for supporting his legacy and the animals he sought to protect.

Viggo Mortensen