The book introduces the reader to the biographies of some great people - writers, poets, artists and composers who lived in different eras and suffered from mental disorders or severe character anomalies. The authors tried to trace the influence of mental disorders of brilliant people on their creativity. It turns out that illness, as a rule, does not destroy creative possibilities, but sometimes enriches them, and also in a unique way colors the facets of creativity. At the same time, geniuses make enormous efforts to overcome negative painful manifestations that interfere with the creative process. Getting to know the lives of these extraordinary creators helps us better understand what they left us as a legacy. On the cover is a painting by M. Čiurlionis “Black Trouble is Flying.” 2nd edition, expanded.