"This book is a collection of non-fiction and reportage on fringe cultures and phenomena from 1998 to 2011. In the course of writing for magazines, newspapers, and other print publications, space constraints have often necessitated that articles be edited down to fit their page allotment. I have since restored those pieces to their previous length, tone, and scope—as they were originally written. In the interest of historicity, I have endeavored to find updates on as many of the stories as possible." —From the Author’s Preface