Lennard J. Davis is professor in the Departments of English, Disability and Human Development, and Medical Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the author of The Disability Studies Reader, among other books.

"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"

Lennard J. Davis is professor in the Departments of English, Disability and Human Development, and Medical Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the author of The Disability Studies Reader, among other books.

"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"

Lennard J. Davis is professor in the Departments of English, Disability and Human Development, and Medical Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He is the author of The Disability Studies Reader, among other books.

"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"