Over the last decade isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) has developed from a specialist method which was largely restricted in its use to dedicated experts, to a major, commercially available tool in the arsenal directed at understanding molecular interactions. The number of those proficient in this field has multiplied dramatically, as has the range of experiments to which this method has been applied. This has led to an overwhelming amount of new data and novel applications to be assessed. With the increasing number of publications in this field comes a need to highlight works of interest and impact. In this overview of the literature we have attempted to draw attention to papers and issues for which both the experienced calorimetrist and the interested dilettante hopefully will share our enthusiasm.