The Key to Genius: Manic-Depression and the Creative Life

by D. Jablow Hershman, Julian Lieb

The stereotype of the mad genius has been with us for centuries, but despite endless discussion, the topic remains a mystery. What is this madness and how does it transform talent into genius? In this fascinating new book, the 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. The Key to Genius explores a vast new frontier. It demonstrates how manic-depression 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. 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. In doing so, they suggest ways in which the manic-depressive can reduce the pains and problems of his illness while increasing the advantage it can bring. For the first time, the manic depressive can, with the help of treatment, control his life and increase his productivity

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Illness, Biography

220 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1988

Reviews

[Cody]

This book was really interesting and entertaining. (Not to mention it made me think I was manic depressive for like, a week.) There is actually quite a lot of humor in the writing, which I really enjoyed. It was just nice to see them so tongue-in-cheek with their subject. The whole book is just 4 case studies of artists and their work, and basing their supposed manic depression on many of the attitudes attributed to them and "historical" information. Posthumous diagnosis, especially after such a long time, usually strikes me as ridiculous, but they made it entertaining enough that I almost didn't see it as a real scientific book.

[Zawhtut]

Clearly stated what the manic depression and how does it force the creativity in famous artists such as Charles Dickens and Van Goh. Very much suitable for people who are suffered from manic depression and how to understand them - their moods and behavior so on. The first book I read which is written by psychiatrist who love literature and music. Very impressive.

[Valerie Van Haltern]

Excellent Book

[Madhur Ahuja]

Some insightful biographies of manic depressives like Van Gogh, Dickens and Mozart.

[Thomas Fratkin]

“One of the things that baffles me (and there are quite a few) is how there can be so much lingering stigma with regards to mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder. In my opinion, living with manic depression takes a tremendous amount of balls. Not unlike a tour of Afghanistan (though the bombs and bullets, in this case, come from the inside). At times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you're living with this illness and functioning at all, it's something to be proud of, not ashamed of.
They should issue medals along with the steady stream of medication.”

An important book on a difficult subject.

[Amy Katherine Wolff]

This was a very interesting book. Part biographical, part historical and part psychological!! I had no idea that such famous and great ppl of our time and earlier suffered so from manic-depression.

I've seen manic-depression, or bipolar disorder, as it is called today, first hand in family members, but it was very fascinating (and sat at times) to read how the disease played out in some very famous people's lives and how it had both positive and negative effects on their lives, their work and their families.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. And, I actually started reading it online, but then couldn't get the full e-book version, so I actually bought it as a REAL book... hard cover even!!

So, friends... if you are interested in borrowing this book, let me know. I'd be happy to pass it along!!!

[Jj Starr]

Read it at the age of 17, loved it. I could write my own book about the value of this book, but I'm not. Should be a mandatory read for any human. No pressure though... If you don't want to read it I don't want you to read it, and I won't tell you why.

Most important book I've ever read.

[J. Wang]

I didn't know these guys suffered from manic depression, but the book is great!

[Hafizh Ulfha]

I was exicted, with this tittle, because i am a bipo