The Book of Phobias and Manias by Kate Summerscale is an interesting compendium identifying familiar and obscure fears and obsessions that afflict humankind. Delightful period piece . . . always prescient about the social status of the women she studies, Summerscale notes that Alma was the very model of a colorless, faceless, powerless housewife. But a housewife with psychic powers could escape those social constraints.” —Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

Ophidiophobia - Fear of snakes. Recently found out one of my cousins has this. Pretty understandable as far as phobias go. BIBLIOMANIA-I was once on here as the bibliomaniac. I got bored. I changed it. Yes I do believe I buy at least one book a day because obviously I'll be able to read all of those before I die The entries in The Book of Phobias and Manias are arranged alphabetically, from Ablutophobia to Zoophobia. The length of each varies but in most instances Summerscale defines the phobia, or mania, and offers some historical, cultural and scientific context as well as an anecdote or case study. I found the entries to be very readable and the language is accessible, but there is some repetition that is noticeable if you read through the book in one sitting. Summerscale’s research seems to be sound, though Freud was cited uncomfortably often. The sources she provides are quite extensive and a good source of further reading. Die Aufmachung vom Buch durch die Bindung und der Goldfolierung ist wahnsinnig hübsch und die kleinen Bilder liefern noch dazu eine schöne Veranschaulichung mancher Ängste!

I triple dog dare you to read this book and list your fears and impulsivities. It really made me think 🤔 I also know I will definitely be on medication for the rest of my life.

Emetophobia - Fear of vomiting. Had a classmate who suffered from this, and they weren't able to go on school trips because of it.Mythomania - Compulsive lying. There's been a few around me. It's a weird one, this. People can't stop even when they know you don't believe them. I've always been fascinated by it, but it's no fun being on the 'receiving' end. Glossophobia - Fear of public speaking. Had this as a teenager, too, so much so that I often broke out into tears or felt extremely nauseous beforehand. It's mostly gone now. God, this list is making my teenage self look like a complete fool. Sorry, teenage self. Batrachophobia - Fear of frogs/toads. I know not one, but two people with this! Both say the same thing: they're terrified of the sudden movements of these animals, that they never know where they might end up. Bonus phobia: koumpounophobia-fear of buttons Steve Jobs had this couldn’t stand keyboards and dress shirts