Based on real historical events at the beginning of the 20th century, the first book in The Cypriot's Treasure series is the story of a young man who changes the course of history with his special talent. As Europe goes to war in 1914 Artie battles to make his mark as an artist, but losing the love of his life to his best friend destroys his confidence, and penniless in a village full of bigots he feels trapped and victimized. When the call goes out for Greek Cypriots to become part of a special force of Muleteers in Macedonia, a special friendship blossoms with another young man who has everything he hasn't. The war against the Central Powers, New York gangsters, and the Greek invasion of Anatolia against Mustapha Kemal's Turks all conspire to stop our hero from reaching his goal, but with the girl of his dreams to motivate him, something much deeper comes to light which seems to be at work in his life. Art, love, satire, politics, philosophy and psychology all come together to make The Funked-Up Artist a must-read for lovers of historical and romantic thrillers with a profound message.