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La Locura En El Poder: De Caligula a Los Tiranos Del Siglo XX
A fascinating journey through the crazy public and private lives of kings, queens, and leaders offers an attractive gallery of eccentricities and scandals.
374 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 14, 2022
This book specifically focuses upon the many rulers of history who may have been certifiably “mad”. While some were already known in their time to be out of their heads, others are presented in new light with modern theories as to why their mental health may have affected their reigns and governments. I can certainly think of some current “leaders” who may be part of that whacked-out crowd.
The psychopath may well be ambitious, brutal, pitiless and violent, but his sphere is not confined to the realm of the criminal delinquents. He is to be found at all levels of society.
Let’s start with the Roman Emperors. While Tiberius may have had a few marbles missing, it was more likely his defensive ploy to disguise his shrewdness in surveying the field of potential successors. Caligula definitely lost something when he suffered a major illness, while Nero may have just been spoiled rotten. These are good historical figures to start with as their actions affected not only their own citizens but also the future of the western world.
The chapter on the English medieval kings is noteworthy, for it anticipates the future end of the Plantagenet era. King John. Edward II. Richard II. Henry VI. We can look at the actions of all of them and see some definite disturbances. John, perhaps, was more of a product of being the youngest and most spoiled while Edward II just wasn’t meant for ruling. But Richard II, like Caligula, became changed after an illness and Henry VI was born with the genetic feebleness from his French forebearers. But it was Henry VII and Henry VIII who really exhibited irrational paranoia, again most likely inherited from their French ancestors. We’re now able to look at these two monarchs and realize it was more than power which affected them.
There are many more in this book. Charles VI of France, Ivan the Terrible of Russia, and George III of Great Britain are some of the highlights of the mental health cases, although medical practitioners now think some of those rulers had legitimate health concerns which affected their minds and their reigns. It’s altogether a very good read, as it mentions possibilities I hadn’t thought of before. For instance, Philip II of Spain was a major figure, one who held his own whacked-out family together (his son was a maniac) but who seemed to suffer from bouts of depression. The twentieth century nutbuckets also get their due for the wars they started, a reminder to not assume a “leader” is sound of head simply because he has the power to order the destruction of millions of people. Yet, here we are in the 21st century and we have learned nothing from these past whackeroos.
Book Season = Winter (wilderness of the mind)
The psychopath may well be ambitious, brutal, pitiless and violent, but his sphere is not confined to the realm of the criminal delinquents. He is to be found at all levels of society.
Let’s start with the Roman Emperors. While Tiberius may have had a few marbles missing, it was more likely his defensive ploy to disguise his shrewdness in surveying the field of potential successors. Caligula definitely lost something when he suffered a major illness, while Nero may have just been spoiled rotten. These are good historical figures to start with as their actions affected not only their own citizens but also the future of the western world.
The chapter on the English medieval kings is noteworthy, for it anticipates the future end of the Plantagenet era. King John. Edward II. Richard II. Henry VI. We can look at the actions of all of them and see some definite disturbances. John, perhaps, was more of a product of being the youngest and most spoiled while Edward II just wasn’t meant for ruling. But Richard II, like Caligula, became changed after an illness and Henry VI was born with the genetic feebleness from his French forebearers. But it was Henry VII and Henry VIII who really exhibited irrational paranoia, again most likely inherited from their French ancestors. We’re now able to look at these two monarchs and realize it was more than power which affected them.
There are many more in this book. Charles VI of France, Ivan the Terrible of Russia, and George III of Great Britain are some of the highlights of the mental health cases, although medical practitioners now think some of those rulers had legitimate health concerns which affected their minds and their reigns. It’s altogether a very good read, as it mentions possibilities I hadn’t thought of before. For instance, Philip II of Spain was a major figure, one who held his own whacked-out family together (his son was a maniac) but who seemed to suffer from bouts of depression. The twentieth century nutbuckets also get their due for the wars they started, a reminder to not assume a “leader” is sound of head simply because he has the power to order the destruction of millions of people. Yet, here we are in the 21st century and we have learned nothing from these past whackeroos.
Book Season = Winter (wilderness of the mind)
May 11, 2025
I have read and enjoyed this book several times but I have reservations although the book trumpets itself as an account of 'mad' rulers:
'From Caligula to Stalin...offer(ing) a unique and pioneering look at the recurring phenomenon of the 'mad king' from the early centuries of the Christian era to modern times...the author contend(s) that mental health has played a determinant part in the making of history, where private traumas provoke the public policies of deranged statesmen. This controversial study makes for fascinating reading; it also offers a challenging new perspective on our understanding both of history and contemporary politics.'
Let's be clear the author tells some fun stories but really hasn't developed any coherent narrative or systematic theory. That would be impossible because the 'sources' for many of the stories he tells, like Seutonius, are themselves problematic. Just trotting out the old stories about Caligula making a horse consul just won't do. To many of the later examples like Henry VI in England or Carlos II in Spain have more to do with genetic implosion than 'madness'. Poor Juana Queen of Castile was more likely driven 'mad' by being treated as mad. I doubt if Gian Gaston, the last Medici grand duke of Florence was mad, he was a drunken voluptuary, but he made many sensible decisions. He just realised that, as the last male of his line, his wishes were irrelevant and everyone was just waiting for him to die so they could take over lands.
That doesn't mean that the stories told are not interesting. It was here I learnt about poor Christian VII of Denmark, the subject of the wonderful novel' The Visit of the Royal Physician' by Per Olov Enquist, which I later read. I probably understood more about Christian VII and his times from Enquist's novel, it helped that he could read sources in the right language. Clearly Dr. Green does not read Latin, Spanish, French, Swedish, Russian, Italian, Danish, etc. never mind do archival research in all those countries so a great deal of his 'research' is from, often dubious and very old, secondary sources.
I was most appaled by his attempts to coral into his 'theories' modern politicians or dictators like Hitler and Stalin. Such reductive simplicities, particularly where Hitler and Stalin are concerned only distort rather than explain their actions.
This book is very readable, full of interesting stories, but can only be treated as a jumping off point. To rely on it to 'understand' the biographies of any of these rulers, their actions or times would be a great mistake.
'From Caligula to Stalin...offer(ing) a unique and pioneering look at the recurring phenomenon of the 'mad king' from the early centuries of the Christian era to modern times...the author contend(s) that mental health has played a determinant part in the making of history, where private traumas provoke the public policies of deranged statesmen. This controversial study makes for fascinating reading; it also offers a challenging new perspective on our understanding both of history and contemporary politics.'
Let's be clear the author tells some fun stories but really hasn't developed any coherent narrative or systematic theory. That would be impossible because the 'sources' for many of the stories he tells, like Seutonius, are themselves problematic. Just trotting out the old stories about Caligula making a horse consul just won't do. To many of the later examples like Henry VI in England or Carlos II in Spain have more to do with genetic implosion than 'madness'. Poor Juana Queen of Castile was more likely driven 'mad' by being treated as mad. I doubt if Gian Gaston, the last Medici grand duke of Florence was mad, he was a drunken voluptuary, but he made many sensible decisions. He just realised that, as the last male of his line, his wishes were irrelevant and everyone was just waiting for him to die so they could take over lands.
That doesn't mean that the stories told are not interesting. It was here I learnt about poor Christian VII of Denmark, the subject of the wonderful novel' The Visit of the Royal Physician' by Per Olov Enquist, which I later read. I probably understood more about Christian VII and his times from Enquist's novel, it helped that he could read sources in the right language. Clearly Dr. Green does not read Latin, Spanish, French, Swedish, Russian, Italian, Danish, etc. never mind do archival research in all those countries so a great deal of his 'research' is from, often dubious and very old, secondary sources.
I was most appaled by his attempts to coral into his 'theories' modern politicians or dictators like Hitler and Stalin. Such reductive simplicities, particularly where Hitler and Stalin are concerned only distort rather than explain their actions.
This book is very readable, full of interesting stories, but can only be treated as a jumping off point. To rely on it to 'understand' the biographies of any of these rulers, their actions or times would be a great mistake.
September 22, 2021
Bros be crazy
April 27, 2021
Coming immediately after Bill Fawcett's engaging 100 Mistakes that Changed History has somewhat diminished what Mr Green has to say about The Madness of Kings. While I appreciate his textbook/commentary approach, this also means hurried, rushed chapters, bandying names without prior introductions. Was he expecting all readers to be scholars of history? His research seems to yield a general hypothesis that puts the blame on a recent illness, most likely syphillis or encephalitis, that hastened varying degrees of mental instability on these leaders, installed to power by divine right or popular vote. Also discussed are the disastrous effects of a static gene pool, with references to the indistinct Hapsburg chin and Ludwig II's Wagner-inspired architectural accomplishments. But there are a handful of blatant typos, and the paragraphing is geared towards a readership with younger eyes. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the first chapters on the Roman Empire, which complements my current reading of Shakespeare's Tragedy of Julius Caesar and rereading of Edward Gibbon's The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. And thanks to this book I learned the names of the first five emperors of Imperial Rome, also referred to as the Julio-Claudian dynasty: Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero. Interesting fellows. Curiously, the writer makes no mention of the recent suspicion blaming Rome's use of lead pipes that led to the emperors' insanity that led to the empire's eventual demise.
Read
November 8, 2013Full review over at Booklikes, along with all the amusing/sad/weird quotes I liked (for some reason I'm still snickering over a lady's brief account of a sighting of royal nose-picking). Reasons for not putting entire review here on GR in my profile. (Interestingly GR seems to have backed off a bit from it's Thou Shalt Not Write Any Reviews With Off Topic (whatever that means) Info or We'll Ban/Delete/Do Something We Can't Decide On What To Your Account. No telling if that's the way things will continue or not.)
4 stars for interest of topic and for references that I could add to future reading list. Waffled over lower star rating for often convoluted sentences that aren't easily readable, but the interesting-ness won out.
Contents:
Preface
Introduction
I. The Wilderness of the Mind
II. Roman Orgies
III. Medieval Trilogy
IV. The Royal Saint
V. Happy Families
VI. Spanish Madness
VII. Great Harry
VIII. Swedish Saga
IX. Russian Bears
X. The Bewitched King and His Legacy
XI. Florentine Frolics
XII. Mad George
XIII. Danish Charade
XIV. The Swan King
XV. 'An Infirmity' of Politicians
XVI. Madmen in Jackboots
Notes (endnotes with discussion of primary and secondary sources used)
Genealogical Tables
Index
4 stars for interest of topic and for references that I could add to future reading list. Waffled over lower star rating for often convoluted sentences that aren't easily readable, but the interesting-ness won out.
Contents:
Preface
Introduction
I. The Wilderness of the Mind
II. Roman Orgies
III. Medieval Trilogy
IV. The Royal Saint
V. Happy Families
VI. Spanish Madness
VII. Great Harry
VIII. Swedish Saga
IX. Russian Bears
X. The Bewitched King and His Legacy
XI. Florentine Frolics
XII. Mad George
XIII. Danish Charade
XIV. The Swan King
XV. 'An Infirmity' of Politicians
XVI. Madmen in Jackboots
Notes (endnotes with discussion of primary and secondary sources used)
Genealogical Tables
Index
August 10, 2021
I won't say it isn't an interesting topic, because it is, but the biggest problem I had with this book was the fact that so often author uses speculation, propaganda, and uncertainty of definitive evidence to construct her story.
So if you are going to read this book, do try to take it with the grain of salt (I mean every book should be read like that) because not everyone should be taken at face value.
Overall, fun read.
So if you are going to read this book, do try to take it with the grain of salt (I mean every book should be read like that) because not everyone should be taken at face value.
Overall, fun read.
January 17, 2018
Velmi zajímavá kniha, nastiňující vliv nemocí (a nejen duševních) vládců na tok historie zemí a národů.
September 12, 2009
The author's introductory chapter 'The Wilderness of the Mind' provides an overview of the attitude toward and understanding of mental problems through the ages. The preponderance of the book covers European monarchs of the Renaissance and 'modern era'. Professor Green notes the passage of time creates difficulty in ascertaining where the mental disabilities came from. Many of the ruling houses of Europe were interconnected by blood and the 'madness' could be partially inherited. In several of the cases he posits that treatment in and tragedies occurring in childhood created personality disorders. Recognizing that physical illnesses and/or injuries affect mental conditions he links the possibility of inherited physical illness causing mental issues. In his last two chapters, the author essentially states the obvious - mental illness did (does) not affect only hereditary political figures but also elected politicians and dictators. In his conclusion he observes that more disconcerting than a leader's decisions being the result of private desires shaped by mental imbalance "is the extent to which the normal man or woman in the street can be hoodwinked or conned into giving his or her enthusiastic support to the most dreadful causes, sheltering under some patriotic, religious or other ideological umbrella."
January 19, 2021
Можу порекомендувати книгу всім, кого, як і мене, цікавлять дослідження на перетині двох наук - психології та історії. У цій книзі описуються правителі із психічними та особистісними відхиленнями та вплив цих відхилень на долю народів, якими вони керували. Автор аналізує прояви нездоров'я цих правителів та описує їх можливі психіатричні діагнози, а також досліджує, були ці вади вродженими, чи розвинулися через особливості спілкування з батьками, виховання чи особисті трагедії. Це дуже і дуже захоплююча книга, від якої можна і добряче посміятися, але водночас вона і жахає, а через широкий огляд правителів, починаючи від Давнього Риму, дає можливість стисло окинути оком світову історію і прослідкувати зміни, що відбувалися в різних сферах життя.
January 2, 2013
I mainly read the sections on the Spanish royalty, since they are my favorite crazy rulers. These sections are entertaining, but do not add much to the historical record. When I sampled the non-royal crazies, the result was the same. Green does not seem to have an overarching perspective which enables us to understand why crazies with power are different from crazies w/out power, except, as would be expected, that they do more damage. It does add another argument against hereditary rulers. Are you listening, North Korea?
August 4, 2011
An interesting premise that takes a look at the detrimental events throughout history and attributes them to the possible mental infirmity, insanity, or personality disorders of kings and queens and other leaders. A good read and interesting to consider how events in history may have been different had the leadership been more mentally capable of handling the situations thrown at them.
May 21, 2012
Excellent book, very thought provoking.
October 20, 2020
Küllaltki huvitav raamat, mis pikapeale muutus siiski veidi tüütavaks, kuna paljud haigussümptomid kippusid korduma. Lisaks, nagu tavaliselt ajalooteemaliste teoste puhul, mida uuemast ajast jutt käib, seda vähem paeluv kõik minu jaoks on (alates umbes 18. sajandist).
Tegelikult, kui ikka otsima hakata, leiab kõikvõimalikke kõrvalekaldeid ja häireid arvatavasti iga inimese mõistuses (kas üldse eksisteeribki nähtust nagu "normaalne" inimene?) Reakodanike puhul ei mängi see aga nii suurt rolli kui valitsejatel, kelle otsused ja nõrkused mõjutavad miljoneid ning kelle seisundit suur pinge ja vastutus, aga ka piiramatu võim ning kõikvõimalikud karistamatud liialdused oluliselt halvendada võivad.
Tänapäeval ilmselgelt haiged inimesed kindlasti kõrvaldatakse väga tähtsatelt ametikohtadelt, kuid vanal ajal asjad muidugi nii ei käinud: kuningad olid Jumala poolt troonile pandud ning polnud lihtinimeste asi seda kahtluse alla seada.
Pealegi, enamus raamatust kirjeldatust on puhtalt oletuslik ja nii tulebki sellesse suhtuda- kui ühte võimalikku hüpoteesi ja seletusse. Kas saabki kõike põhjendada pelgalt haigusega, kui arvestada, et vanadel hallidel aegadel valitsesid hoopis teistsugused tõekspidamised ja käitumisnormid.
Tegelikult, kui ikka otsima hakata, leiab kõikvõimalikke kõrvalekaldeid ja häireid arvatavasti iga inimese mõistuses (kas üldse eksisteeribki nähtust nagu "normaalne" inimene?) Reakodanike puhul ei mängi see aga nii suurt rolli kui valitsejatel, kelle otsused ja nõrkused mõjutavad miljoneid ning kelle seisundit suur pinge ja vastutus, aga ka piiramatu võim ning kõikvõimalikud karistamatud liialdused oluliselt halvendada võivad.
Tänapäeval ilmselgelt haiged inimesed kindlasti kõrvaldatakse väga tähtsatelt ametikohtadelt, kuid vanal ajal asjad muidugi nii ei käinud: kuningad olid Jumala poolt troonile pandud ning polnud lihtinimeste asi seda kahtluse alla seada.
Pealegi, enamus raamatust kirjeldatust on puhtalt oletuslik ja nii tulebki sellesse suhtuda- kui ühte võimalikku hüpoteesi ja seletusse. Kas saabki kõike põhjendada pelgalt haigusega, kui arvestada, et vanadel hallidel aegadel valitsesid hoopis teistsugused tõekspidamised ja käitumisnormid.
December 12, 2020
Reading for an essay so skipped some chapters
A good comparitive summary of the effect of sovereign incapacity of various sorts on states and socieites in pre-modern Europe. Conclusions suitably caveated by the limited extent to which we can project modern diagnosis onto historical figures, especially given issues with sources.
Issues of selection inherent in the study, e.g. mention of the medieval Kings who have been overthrown and how their mental issues may have contributed to this (John, Ed II, Rich II, Henry VI) but no mention of Kings with mental issues who have not been overthrown (Henry IV) or kings without diagnosable mental issues who were overthrown (Stuarts). Euro-centric study at least until American Presidents and Middle-Eastern dictators are covered in the last chapter.
Good up until the final chapter where more I think could have been said about the tendency towards gerontocracy (an even more accelerated trend since the author's comments on it in 1993).
A good comparitive summary of the effect of sovereign incapacity of various sorts on states and socieites in pre-modern Europe. Conclusions suitably caveated by the limited extent to which we can project modern diagnosis onto historical figures, especially given issues with sources.
Issues of selection inherent in the study, e.g. mention of the medieval Kings who have been overthrown and how their mental issues may have contributed to this (John, Ed II, Rich II, Henry VI) but no mention of Kings with mental issues who have not been overthrown (Henry IV) or kings without diagnosable mental issues who were overthrown (Stuarts). Euro-centric study at least until American Presidents and Middle-Eastern dictators are covered in the last chapter.
Good up until the final chapter where more I think could have been said about the tendency towards gerontocracy (an even more accelerated trend since the author's comments on it in 1993).
March 25, 2021
Fascinating idea but one that, fine historian though he was, Dr Green's just not up to bringing home. His grasp of 'madness' is that of a highly educated layman writing in retirement in the 1990s. To succeed, this book needs to be written from the perspective of modern science first, history second.
That's perhaps a harsh judgement; it originated in a fairly light-hearted series of lectures, rather than being a serious attempt at a definitive study. Nonetheless, it fails.
That's perhaps a harsh judgement; it originated in a fairly light-hearted series of lectures, rather than being a serious attempt at a definitive study. Nonetheless, it fails.
January 21, 2022
Por primera vez en mi vida, DNF un libro, y para mi asombro, no me siento culpable! :)
El topico del libro es interesante, el problema es que la autora comienza contandote cosas brutales, para rematar cada caso con "aunque no hay pruebas que demuestren esto", o "se rumoreaba esto".
El estado psquiatrico de una persona es asunto serio, no se puede hacer un diagnostico porque a vos te parece que quizas la persona tenga esa afeccion, es muy poco serio.
El topico del libro es interesante, el problema es que la autora comienza contandote cosas brutales, para rematar cada caso con "aunque no hay pruebas que demuestren esto", o "se rumoreaba esto".
El estado psquiatrico de una persona es asunto serio, no se puede hacer un diagnostico porque a vos te parece que quizas la persona tenga esa afeccion, es muy poco serio.
January 26, 2018
It’s either always personality disorders, inbreeding, or syphilis. Most likely syphilis.
August 11, 2018
Um ótimo estudo sobre a saúde mental e como isso interferiu na política de grandes nomes da história. Os piores foram os romanos!
February 10, 2019
It was a bit clumsy in places and some of the vocabulary was beyond me.
May 16, 2019
Una forma genial de introducirme en la historia y psicología de los más célebres personajes de la historia.
Me encantó.
Me encantó.
January 24, 2022
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙙𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙆𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨) (1993) es un libro ensayístico que abarca muchas de las investigaciones respecto a las posibles enfermedades y situaciones de estrés que diversos gobernantes enfrentaron.
Este libro es un gran ejercicio de comprensión y tolerancia hacia nuestros ancestros, a su forma de pensar y de vivir. Está escrito desde una perspectiva conservadora, altamente sesgada, en una época donde no existía lo 𝘱𝘰𝘭í𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰.
Es un esfuerzo de investigación muy amplio que se pierde en la vastedad de la información.
Cabe mencionar que tiene áreas de oportunidad en la traducción y no cuenta con las referencias de la publicación original.
Este libro es un gran ejercicio de comprensión y tolerancia hacia nuestros ancestros, a su forma de pensar y de vivir. Está escrito desde una perspectiva conservadora, altamente sesgada, en una época donde no existía lo 𝘱𝘰𝘭í𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰.
Es un esfuerzo de investigación muy amplio que se pierde en la vastedad de la información.
Cabe mencionar que tiene áreas de oportunidad en la traducción y no cuenta con las referencias de la publicación original.
September 22, 2010
zanimljiva knjiga
March 16, 2014
Interesting observations of some infamously unbalanced kings and rulers in the histories of our world.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews