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In The Noonday Demon, gay author Andrew Solomon examines depression in personal, cultural and scientific terms. Drawing on his own struggles with the illness and interviews with fellow sufferers, doctors and scientists, policymakers and politicians, drug designers and philosophers, Solomon reveals the subtle complexities and sheer agony of the disease. He confronts the challenge of defining the illness and describes the vast range of available medications, the efficacy of alternative treatments, and the impact the malady has had on various demographic populations around the world and throughout history. He also explores the thorny patch of moral and ethical questions posed by emerging biological explanations for mental illness. With uncommon humanity, candour, wit and erudition, the award-winning author 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 stunning. He even writes candidly about his efforts to 'commit suicide' through trying to contract AIDS. Winner of the National Book Award in 2001. Also check out his latest book, Far from the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity.
Paperback, 569 Pages, Orig. Publ. 2001, This Ed. Publ. 2013
Author: Andrew Solomon