About the Author

Barbara O'Brien is a pseudonym for a woman who experienced a six-month psychotic break during the 1950s and wrote about it in Operators and Things, originally published in 1958. She was last heard from in 1976, when she wrote a new chapter entitled "The New Minority" for a paperback edition of the book. At the time, her author's biography read: "Barbara O'Brien is now fully recovered and lives outside Los Angeles, California."

Michael Maccoby, Ph.D., is a psychoanalyst and anthropologist globally recognized as an expert on leadership for his research, writing, and projects to improve organizations and work. He has authored or co-authored twelve books and consulted to companies, governments, the World Bank, unions, research and development centers and laboratories, universities, and orphanages in twenty-six countries. He lives in Washington, DC.

COLLEEN DELEGAN's first life was an advertising creative director. Her second life is a screenwriter, novelist, and television writer. She is hoping for a third and final life as a wealthy nomad. She currently lives in Chicago.

MELANIE VILLINES is a critically acclaimed novelist, playwright, screenwriter, television writer, and biographer. Born and raised in Chicago, she lives in Los Angeles.