As Andrew Solomon notes in his book, The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, "It is frighteningly easy to accumulate material about depression." Given that chronic depression affects some 19 million Americans and another 2.3 million struggle with manic-depression, this statement isn't surprising. Solomon's book is a touching memoir of his own struggles with depression as well as a comprehensive review of the biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of the illness. For anyone who is touched by this "demon" --- either personally or through a family member or friend --- I strongly recommend this book.