Few creatures are as bothersome to us as the fly; wherever it appears, it disturbs and displays a remarkable persistence. It is no wonder that since ancient times, a veritable literature of condemnation has developed against these defenseless insects, with a desire to do harm to every fly. In his cultural history of this seemingly unnecessary insect, Peter Geimer reveals its astonishing diversity, from the fascination with its unique visual apparatus in the history of film, television, and photography, to its representation in painting, and its central role in the study of genes. In light of this, the question arises even more urgently as to why we reject the fly with such fervor. A suspicion arises: perhaps we envy its stoic indifference and secretly suspect that we are largely indifferent to it.