Description
Book SynopsisWe live in an age of obsession. But obsession is not only a phenomenon of modern existence: it is a medical category. Beginning with the roots of the disease in demonic possession and its secular successors, this work traces the evolution of obsessive behavior from a social and religious fact of life into a medical and psychiatric problem.
Trade Review"This is an engaging book which I read with considerable - dare I say, obsessive? - enjoyment.... The book is laced with rich examples exemplifying obsessional people and their work." - Christine Purdon, Times Higher Education "Intellectually bold and constantly insightful.... Manages to link Moby-Dick and the TV show Monk." - Julia Keller, Chicago Tribune "Those with a keen interest in (or perhaps an obsession with) obsession and its place in human culture will enjoy Davis's book." - Melinda Wenner, Scientific American Mind "If you should pick up the book expecting an obsessively thorough discourse, you won't be disappointed. But Davis is a fine writer, and he grabs the reader at the outset by confessing his own childhood rituals." - Deanna Isaacs, Chicago Reader "Beautifully written and impeccably - perhaps obsessively - researched: important reading for anyone interested in inescapable fascinations." - Kirkus Reviews "A witty and interesting historical tour of a fascinating subject." - Ian Brooks, Nature"
