Johnson, who... reveals that he has remained largely uncoupled in his adult life, is exquisitely alive to the bad chatter that 'solitaries'— his ter for those who are solo by choice — attract.

Johnson elegantly blends memoir, philosophical musings and literary inquiry as he explores how other writers and artists have faced the challenge of “solving' loneliness by converting it into solitude.

...a more flexible and forgiving approach to the subject of solitude. Rather than suggesting that the benefits of solitude come only with suffering and deep study, this book serves up encouragement to the would-be solitary and offers examples of the ways solitude can structure our lives.

While reminiscing on his own past, Johnson explores notions of solitude as seen in the writings of a pantheon of exalted literary and creative figures.

...[a] stirring memoir and social critique.