American Madness

A powerful chronicle of mental illness in America, revealing the complex ties of social and medical understandings of madness across our 250-year history, so that we might better understand our present and future—from the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Nicole

Moonstruck. Deranged. Distempered. Whatever we’ve called it and however we've treated it, mental illness has affected Americans as long as there’s been an America to call home. The story of madness in this country is one of human suffering but also of great human perseverance.

In this remarkable narrative history, Amy Ellis Nutt takes us from pre-Revolutionary America to the contemporary moment, exploring how our national character of individualism and optimism has shaped centuries of discoveries, trauma, and trends. Through the eyes of patients, family members, doctors, scientists, mavericks, and charlatans, Nutt recounts the trajectory from colonial burial rites designed to trap demons to ecstasy-dosed octopuses teaching us about the desire to connect, from the tavern brawl that may have led to the country's first mental hospital to the leftover Nazi rocket fuel that helped make the world's first antidepressant, from the very first clinical interview to the rise of telehealth.

Nutt examines her subject with the precision of a science writer, the human insight of a journalist, and a deep sense of empathy coming from her own experiences with the mental healthcare system. This humane, nuanced record illuminates the winding path that has brought us to our current state of mental health and healthcare, and reveals how our past will shape where we might go from here.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs