The Ancient Device

A thought-provoking exploration of self and reality through performance and myth.

The Ancient Device delves into the lives of four individuals as they navigate imaginary landscapes and explore the transformative power of narrative. Set in rural England, this philosophical novel follows a group of actors as they grapple with identity, loss, and the search for meaning. Through ritual and symbolism, they uncover the potential for repair within themselves and the world around them.

For readers seeking a contemplative and transformative journey, this book offers:

• A unique blend of fiction and philosophy
• Exploration of the power of imagination
• A path towards self-discovery and healing

Is there a way to break free from the fiction of the self? Discover the ancient device and unlock the potential for a new reality.

Professor Simon O’ Sullivan teaches at Goldsmiths College, Univ of London. He is a theorist and artist working at the intersection of contemporary art practice, performance and philosophy. He has published widely in in these areas, often in relation to Deleuze and Guattari and, more recently in relation to fictioning and myth-work. His most recent monographs are From Magic and Myth-Work to Care and Repair (2024) and (written with David Burrows) Fictioning: The Myth-Functions of Contemporary Art and Philosophy (2019).