An тАЬartistically writtenтАЭ book from an acclaimed psychologist with тАЬa profound understanding of the relationship that exists between art and madnessтАЭ (William Styron, Pulitzer PrizeтАУwinning author of SophieтАЩs Choice).
The definitive work on the surprising links between manic-depression and creativity, from one of the foremost authorities on bipolar disorder and the bestselling author of An Unquiet Mind.
The anguished and volatile intensity associated with the artistic temperament was once thought to be a symptom of genius or eccentricity peculiar to artists, writers, and musicians. Kay Redfield JamisonтАЩs book, based on her study as a clinical psychologist and researcher in mood disorders, reveals that many artists subject to exalted highs and despairing lows were in fact engaged in a struggle with clinically identifiable manic-depressive illness.
Jamison presents proof of the biological foundations of this disease and applies what is known about the illness to the lives and works of some of the worldтАЩs greatest artists including Lord Byron, Vincent Van Gogh, and Virginia Woolf.
тАЬIn language comprehensible to the lay reader, [Jamison]presents a thorough overview of current knowledge concerning the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of this disorder.тАЭ тАФLibrary Journal