The Divine Madness of Philip K. Dick

"Arnold, a clinical psychologist, provides a phenomenological approach to the life of Philip K. Dick, closely reading the last eighteen years of his life." --American Literature "If you want to understand Philip K. Dick, read Kyle Arnold's book." --Tessa B. Dick, wife of Philip K. Dick "Kyle Arnold's The Divine Madness of Philip K. Dick is a thorough, unflinching look at one of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century. Arnold's training as a psychologist gives him a keen insight into the always-contentious question of Dick's mental health. But he does not attempt to diagnose Dick - rather, he explores the connection between his life and his work in an honest and thorough manner. What emerges is a work of unique importance to anyone interested in Philip K. Dick, his life, and his writings." --Gabriel McKee, author of Pink Beams of Light from the God in the Gutter: The Science-Fictional Religion of Philp K. Dick "The shelf of science fiction novels and short story collections by Philip K. Dick is very wide. The shelf of books about Philip K. Dick is rapidly becoming even wider. The Divine Madness of Philip K. Dick, is among the best of these psychobiographies." --Alan Elms, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of California, Davis "This is a well-researched and persuasively written study of a controversial subject amongst 'Dickheads,' avid followers of Philip K. Dick. Dr. Arnold, a hospital affiliated practicing clinical psychologist, navigates the conflicting facts and opinions known about Dick's life and work to give us a powerful interpretation well worth reading, and sure to generate further dialog and debate." --Frank Bertrand, interviewer of Philip K. Dick and Contributing Editor to PKD Otaku "Arnold details the ways in which awareness of Dick's childhood traumas and mystical visions broaden appreciation of his work, its adaptations, and influence. Recommended for sf fans as well as literary and academic audiences." --Library Journal "A useful addition to the library of works on Dick." - Pippa Goldschmidt, Times Literary Supplement