BOOK: The Thoughts of Chairman Ed
Some years ago, while discussing his book on China, we suggested to Ed that he should prepare another book with his thoughts. He had plenty of them: about racism, about women, about arseholes, about cars and global warming, about greed, about democracy and fascism, about shyness and love, about de-growth…
It could be designed, edited and distributed by us. We could print a few copies for friends and/or let others read these ideas online, on this blog.
After some bar discussions, a bit of procrastination, and lots of Killer Sudoku, he finally dragged himself to think about it. He wrote an introduction, a draft index and three of the twelve articles planned.
We have completed his list with all the other interesting thoughts he kept sharing with us. Everything was written between 2020 and 2026, during the COVID pandemic and his time living in Logroño, until his death, last 5th of May.
We haven’t corrected or refined anything (except maybe a few details), neither the style or format, nor the structure or narrative flow, just a few spelling errors and punctuation marks. It is messy (he is speaking, not writing) and sometimes repetitive (for instance, five articles ramble about democracy), but that’s how he used to spit his ideas out. Still, it is enjoyable.
Three parts complete the book: his thoughts (ideas, opinions and experiences in Logroño), his COVID rants and a short story. The articles are organized chronologically. All are new to this blog.
Ed was an avid reader. Normally, enjoying two or three books at a time, mainly History or Science Fiction. Often, he weaved these books into his impassioned rants. Therefore, to capture this habit, we have included footnotes for every publication referenced that we could recall.
It could be said that a great book was Ed’s best companion. Let this book be yours, too. Take it along to your local bar, find a sunny spot outside, order a drink, and dive in – all while pretending to listen to Ed’s usual drivel.
Have fun!
