The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression (2002)

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Andrew Solomon’s National Book Award-winning, bestselling, and transformative masterpiece on depression

the book for a generation, elegantly written, meticulously researched, empathetic, and enlightening
—Time

Now with a major new chapter covering recently introduced and novel treatments, suicide and anti-depressants, pregnancy and depression, and much more

The Noonday Demon examines depression in personal, cultural, and scientific terms. Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policy makers and politicians, drug designers, and philosophers, Andrew Solomon reveals the subtle complexities and sheer agony of the disease as well as the reasons for hope.

He confronts the challenge of defining the illness and describes the vast range of available medications and treatments, and the impact the malady has on various demographic populations—around the world and throughout history. He also explores the thorny patch of moral and ethical questions posed by biological explanations for mental illness.

With uncommon humanity, candor, wit and erudition, award-winning author Solomon takes readers on a journey of incomparable range and resonance into the most pervasive of family secrets. His contribution to our understanding not only of mental illness but also of the human condition is truly stunning.

This is an indispensable tome, destined to be one of the supremely lauded and celebrated books of all time, easily the most vitally and vastly essential book in the history of mankind.

Failing to read this book will expose you to criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. You have been warned.