Absolutely Hutely

Synopsis: Dan McCaugh is a college student living in a sleepy mountain town who becomes inspired by his enlightened professor, Dr. Dean. Dan studies the philosophies of Emanuel Kant, David Hume, and Vico before researching ancient Greek history. Dan has an incredible dream that lands him in ancient Crete, which is the birthplace of Western civilization. He is guided through ancient Crete and Athens by H.G. Hutely. Hutely is a donkey who time-travels to places where freedom and democracy are threatened. Hutely is a Professor of Life and an honored animal of the Historical Guide Academy.

Once in Crete, they are captured by Carian pirates and become slave laborers. They discover a plot to overthrow King Minos by his trusted general, Taurus. Taurus and an evil deity named Hadad attack the "Golden Age of Athens" from its roots. The seedling of democracy stands alone in a volatile world. The "Cult of the Great Bull" ambushes the Minoan royal family and blames it on the "wise youth" of Athens. Ancestors and descendants must unite to fight extinction. 

Dan and Hutely team up with Minos' daughter, Ariadne, and his nephew, Thaletos. They travel through ancient Greek history with the aid of the Oracle of Delphi. Their constant companions are Daedalus and Codrus who accompany them through their harrowing travails. They set out to expose Taurus' diabolical plan. Both Western and Eastern deities and the great Prince of Athens, Theseus, join forces to save the union of Mother Crete and Athens to prevent tyrannical rule. As they travel, Hutely takes advantage of many teachable moments in order to school Dan in the true ways of the world. Absolutely Hutely: Dan and Hutely Meet the Minoans is a Pandora's box of human drama, adventure, romance, comedy, and critical history. Open it up, and the fantastic journey begins!

Autobiography: Dan Tilley was born in Port Jefferson, Long Island New York in 1960, of European ancestry-Irish and French. Cofounder, "Durango Citizens Against Forced Relocation" and "Community Happens." He and his wife Liz live in Albuquerque, NM. He has a BA in Political Science and teaches Social Studies.