First I was Afraid, I was Petrified
by Harland MillerÊ(2000)

ÔIt took me a few moments to understand what it was I was actually seeing. The anticipated images of soft porn that had floated before my eyes dissolved against some domestic abstraction, which resolved into a close up of a ... yes ... gas cookerÉÕ

This book reveals a fascinating and wryly humorous story of someone that has suffered from an acute case of obsessive compulsive disorder - never able to leave the house without going back to check and double-check that nothing has been left on. If you have ever had that sinking feeling that youÕve left the front door wide-open, the gas fire on, the bath taps running ....then you will find this book compulsive reading.

First I was afraid, I was petrified consists of a huge collection of Polaroids which document a gas cooker turned to off - the only physical/visual proof that can allow the sufferer of OCD to be free to leave the house without nagging doubt.

First I was afraid, I was petrified is published and distributed by Book Works, and designed by Lee Swillingham & Stuart Spalding at Suburbia. Printed offset in an edition of 1,500 copies, 60 pages with full colour and a soft cover. ISBN 1 870699 50 5. Price £9.95