The book of professor-psychiatrist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.S. Tiganov analyzes the history of the life and work of prominent artists - musicians, writers, composers, artists. Particular attention is paid to the manifestation of their mental disorder. Not limited to the modern diagnosis of psychopathological disorders, the author involves the reader in a discussion of the subtle and ambiguous connection between talent and mental suffering. For doctors of all specialties, cadets, medical students and a wide range of readers interested in the secrets of the work of great masters of art.