The Last Will and Testament of a Very Distinguished Dog (Hardcover)

~ Eugene O'Neill (Author), Adrienne Yorinks (Illustrator) "I, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill (familiarly known to my family, friends, and acquaintances as Blemie), because the burden of my years and infirmities is heavy upon..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The perfect gift for every dog owner.

In the early 1940s, famed playwright Eugene O'Neill wrote a moving piece of prose about his dog, Silverdene Emblem O'Neill (Blemie). In The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog, O'Neill eloquently and compassionately articulates what all dog owners feel as their pet nears the of its life. O'Neill's elegy has been lovingly restored to print and is beautifully illustrated by the award-winning quilt maker Adrienne Yorinks. Yorinks complements the text using twenty-five machine-pieced and hand-stitched quilts with color photographic transfers of dogs. The Last Will says everything that needs to be said to someone you love who is losing or has lost a beloved canine friend.

About the Author

Eugene O'Neill, one of America's greatest playwrights, was the author of Beyond the Horizon, Desire Under the Elms, and Long Day's Journey into Night.

Adrienne Yorinks is a professional quilt maker whose quilts have garnered numerous art awards. She is the illustrator of Stand for Children and lives in New Salem, New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.; 1st edition (October 29, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805061703
• ISBN-13: 978-0805061703
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,282 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars O'Neill's most important prize of all!, December 9, 1999

By	Charles M. Nobles (Tulsa, OK United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Eugene O'neill(1888-1953)was, and is,in the literary and theatrical arena a world-renowned figure.Had he been a baseball player he would be in the Hall of Fame. He was a four-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, beginning in 1920 for Beyond the Horizon; in 1922 for Anna Christie; in 1928 for Strange Interlude; and again in 1956 for A Long Day's Journey into Night. He also won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1936. He is one of the crown jewels in American literature and Theater. Thus, it was with great interest that I recently received a copy of The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog. Quite frankly, while I naturally knew of O'neill, I had never heard of this book. It turns out it is a new edition of a book originally written by O'Neill in the 1940's as a tribute to his dog. Animal lovers, especially those with a particular affection for dogs, owe the publisher a great debt for reissuing this little known gem. Silverdene Emblem O'Neill-better known as Blemie-was a special Border collie that obviously captured the heart of O'Neill. In a moving and timeless elegy O'Neill clearly and compassionately describes the feelings of loss experienced by all true pet lover's when the death of a pet occurs.The pain is evident though O'Neill finds solace and comfort in remembering the joy,friendship and happiness he found with his friend.Those who have experienced the loyalty,love and friendship of a special dog will understand O'Neill's heartwarming tribute to Blemie.The message of love, friendship and caring will be an inspiration to all who have, or will, face the end of a special pet's life. I have read the book four times,not without tears, and still find a message of hope in this tender, special book. This is a wonderful, timeless, elegant book that will move you in ways you may have forgotten.It is bealutifully illustrated with twenty-five original hand-stitched quilts by award-winning quilt maker Adrienne Yorinks.While O'Neill will be remembered in the literary and theatrical world for his Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes, and rightfully so, I will always remember his most for his tribute to Blemie, his most important prize of all. Get this book, you'll be glad you did.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a gentle and moving tribute to a beloved companion, March 22, 2000

By	P. Regan (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs, animals, people, life in general. O'Neill's tribute to his dog, Blemie, is full of humor, love, and not a bit of pathos. He puts into words (aptly illustrated by Yorinks) all that is felt and thought by anyone who has loved and lost (or simply loved) a dog. What a wonderful treat this was.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Charming, comforting, and ringing true., February 5, 2004

By	beckyjean "beckyjean" (East Granby, CT) - See all my reviews

This short text by playwright Eugene O'Neill is written from the point of view of his dog, Blemie. With quiet eloquence and dignity, Blemie considers the approaching eventuality of his own death and its effect on his beloved Master and Mistress.

He remarks that dogs do not fear death, as humans do, and offers other words of canine comfort related to grieving ("It is painful for me to think that even in death I should cause them pain.") and the possibility of getting a new dog -- a prospect Blemie endorses ("It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again.").

This tiny book, written in the voice of a beloved pet, says everything that needs to be said to a Master or Mistress who is mourning the loss of their dearest friend.

The only thing that kept me from giving the book five stars was the tangentially-related illustrations -- dull, unappealing quilts with photographic transfers of dogs stitched into their centers. Certainly, this lovely text could be heightened by beautiful, relevant illustrations. Unfortunately, this edition offers no such thing.

The text rises above the odd choice of illustration, however. This book is perfect for anyone who loves their companion animal(s).