The Ecstasy Of Owen Muir : Kessinger Publishing : 9781104847012 : 1104847019 : 23 Jul 2009 : The Ecstasy of Owen Muir is a novel written by Ring Lardner Jr. It follows the story of Owen Muir, a successful businessman who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He is haunted by the memories of his past, particularly his failed marriage and the death of his daughter. In an attempt to escape his troubles, Owen begins to experiment with drugs and alcohol, leading him down a dangerous path.As Owen's mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly isolated from his family and friends. He begins to have vivid hallucinations and delusions, which he believes to be a sign of enlightenment. However, his behavior becomes erratic and unpredictable, causing concern among those closest to him.Throughout the novel, Lardner Jr. explores the themes of addiction, mental illness, and the search for meaning in life. He portrays Owen's descent into madness with a vivid and unflinching eye, showing the de