| Abstract |
From his vast and varied background in medicine and the arts, the author gives us a finely crafted historical survey on instances in which illness has affected creation, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. He paints a canvas in almost kaleidoscopic fashion which assumes ever new patterns embracing literature, art and music in relation to the state of health of its creators. Vivid vignettes, free of sentimentality, of art history's most poignant life stories are presented with rare economy of words, and are enhanced by appropriate and pertinent illustrations. We learn of the talents affected by disease, how disease made possible certain works which otherwise might never have been created. Also, we learn how great talents were adversely affected by disease, drugs and mental disorders. Poets and writers featured: Byron, Baudelaire, the Brontes, DeQuincey, Dickinson, Heine, Milton, Proust, W. Scott. Composers discussed: Beethoven, Berlioz, Chopin, Handel, Mahler, Schumann, Smetana. Painters highlighted: Cezanne, Delacroix, Dufy, Lautrec, Matisse, Mondrain, Picasso, Van Gogh. The author, with his succinct studies of artists, writers, and composers who have suffered severe diseases, makes clear his point that illness has had a profound influence on their lives and their work. "The suffering inspires the poet, gives greatness and earnestness to his vision, stimulates his psychological imagination and gives realism to his expression of wrath and passion." |
