Semi-autobiographical 1968 novel by Frederick Exley, drawn freely from his imagination and adhered only loosely to the pattern of his life, asking to be judged as a writer of fantasy. The novel has achieved a cult following and has been reprinted several times. The book is a sardonic account of mental illness, alcoholism, and the author's experiences with insulin shock therapy and electroconvulsive therapy. It also explores the black hole of sports fandom.