Diagnosing Genius: The Life and Death of Beethoven Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Although Mai is a psychiatrist, he did an excellent job in writing a book that proposes, and explaines, the various medical/emotional problems Beethoven experienced during his life time in a manner that is easily understood by the general public. I also appreciated Dr. Mai's approach in evaluating the symptoms Beethoven presented, and then offering "probable" diagnoseis, not absolute diagnoses. For how can anyone absolutely state Beethoven suffered from this or that disease, mental illness, without having actually seen the patient, or having access to the body?
Being a mental health professional myself, I found the chapter on illness and creativity very interesting. I have often speculated that Beethoven may have suffered from a mood disorder (Bi-polar), but have never voiced that speculation. Again, a firm diagnosis can not be made; however, it is something to ponder.
It is somewhat disturbing to those of us who worship Beethoven to consider he may have succumbed to the human frailties of deafness, IBS, alcoholism, depression, suicidal ideation, etc. He was such a genius, who created such awe inspiring music during tumultuous times personally and during a tumultuous time in history, it is hard to take him off of the superhuman pedestal and see him as a man with all of the trappings of man. Dr. Mai's writing demonstrates how human the Great One really was, but in a manner that is non-judgemental, nor offensive.
This is a very easy and enjoyable book to read.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Diagnosing Genius: The Life and Death of Beethoven