Boldly ambitious deeply affecting and magisterial in scope Steve Silberman author of Neurotribes Expansive and thoughtful it illuminates the complexity and elusiveness of his subject New Statesman Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world today a growing health crisis that affects us all. It is a complex and diverse condition. But it is also highly treatable. In this profound and sweeping history Alex Riley charts the macabre ingenious and often surprising developments in the