Manic Depression and Creativity
Author: D Jablow Hershman
In this study, the often turbulent lives and careers of Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Vincent van Gogh are examined in an effort to explain and illustrate the role of manic depression in the creative lives of talented people. Manic Depression and Creativity demonstrates how manic-depressive disorder often becomes the essential difference between talent and genius, and offers valuable insights into the many obstacles and problems this illness poses for highly creative people in all fields, from scientists to film stars to rock musicians. Investigating the inspiration that is sparked and fed by mania, and the overwhelming creative "blocks" brought on by depression, Hershman and Lieb explode the popular myth that suffering is essential to creativity and suggest ways that can alleviate the extreme "highs" and "lows" of this disease. Indeed, with effective treatment, manic depressives can control their lives and increase their productivity.
Virginia Galloway
The profound contribution to civilization by persons with manic depression is illustrated in this book.. Hershman's Brotherhood of Tyrants: Manic Depression and Absolute Power is the companion volume. Although many books about depression do exist, few books speak of manic depression and its multifarious benefits to society. This book provides an insightful, comprehensive. and valuable analysis of manic depression's impact on some of civilization's most influential and creative individuals. This book serves as a valuable tool for mental health professionals and lay public interested in an awareness of manic depression and its effects on some of the most creative individuals ever known. The authors are credible: Hershman is an artist and novelist and Dr. Lieb is a psychiatrist. The companion volume is also co-written by Hershman and Lieb. This text provides a thoughtful analysis of genius followed by a clinically accurate yet understandable description of manic depression. The lives and careers of Newton, Dickens, Beethoven, and van Gogh are examined to explain and illustrate the role of manic depression in creative persons and thus, the contribution of manic depression to society. In a forceful summation, the authors argue for increased education, awareness, and treatment to decrease suffering and possibly increase productivity in people with manic depression. Black and white portraits are provided. A table delineating manic versus depressive symptoms and traits is conscientiously provided for the less psychiatrically astute audience. While the biographies are provided to explain the impact of manic depression, they are somewhat extensive in theirdetails. This book elucidates the positive as well as deleterious effects of manic depression on the lives of some of history's most creative and influential persons. It is an interesting and informative book that is a welcome addition to current literature.
Doody Review Services
Reviewer: Virginia Galloway, BA (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: The profound contribution to civilization by persons with manic depression is illustrated in this book.. Hershman's Brotherhood of Tyrants: Manic Depression and Absolute Power is the companion volume.
Purpose: Although many books about depression do exist, few books speak of manic depression and its multifarious benefits to society. This book provides an insightful, comprehensive. and valuable analysis of manic depression's impact on some of civilization's most influential and creative individuals.
Audience: This book serves as a valuable tool for mental health professionals and lay public interested in an awareness of manic depression and its effects on some of the most creative individuals ever known. The authors are credible: Hershman is an artist and novelist and Dr. Lieb is a psychiatrist. The companion volume is also co-written by Hershman and Lieb.
Features: This text provides a thoughtful analysis of genius followed by a clinically accurate yet understandable description of manic depression. The lives and careers of Newton, Dickens, Beethoven, and van Gogh are examined to explain and illustrate the role of manic depression in creative persons and thus, the contribution of manic depression to society. In a forceful summation, the authors argue for increased education, awareness, and treatment to decrease suffering and possibly increase productivity in people with manic depression. Black and white portraits are provided. A table delineating manic versus depressive symptoms and traits is conscientiously provided for the less psychiatrically astute audience. While the biographies are provided to explain the impact of manic depression, they are somewhat extensive in their details.
Assessment: This book elucidates the positive as well as deleterious effects of manic depression on the lives of some of history's most creative and influential persons. It is an interesting and informative book that is a welcome addition to current literature.
Booknews
A fascinating look at the personal and creative lives of four major talents tormented by manic-depression (Dickens, Newton, Beethoven, and Van Gogh), probing the stereotype of the mad genius and the role depression has often played in turning talent into genius. Explains how the disorder can be used as a positive factor in the creative artist's life, and suggests ways to alleviate the extreme highs and lows of the disorder. For general readers. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
Healthline Magazine - Paul Insel, Ph.D.
In this accessible and engaging set of biographies and self-help narrative, Lieb and Hershman expertly discount the myth that suffering is essential to creativity. They discuss combating the dark forces of manic depression and explain how this disorder can be used as a positive force in the creative artist's life, suggesting ways to alleviate the extreme "highs" and "lows" of the disease. With effective treatment, manic-depressives can control their lives and increase their productivity.
Rating
4 Stars! from Doody
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The Fast Food Craze: Wreaking Havoc on Our Bodies and Our Animals
Author: Tina Volp
A hopeful, eye-opening book by first-time author, Tina Volpe, The Fast Food Craze discusses the fast food giants and how their business decisions affect animals in the slaughterhouses, our health, and will encourage readers to stop and think: Why are we eating animals?
The book includes quotes as far back as 400 B.C., references to philosophies of M. Ghandi and Buddha, and a look at the characteristics and admirable qualities of the factory farmed animals in a natural environment.
Readers have a chance to explore vegetarianism, our treatment of animals, and the importance of making healthful decisions.
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