A First-Rate Madness
Uncovering the Links Between Leadership and Mental Illness
By Nassir Ghaemi | Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
About the book
The New York Times bestseller
“A glistening psychological history, faceted largely by the biographies of eight famous leaders . . .” —The Boston Globe
“A provocative thesis . . . Ghaemi’s book deserves high marks for original thinking.” —The Washington Post
“Provocative, fascinating.” —Salon.com
Historians have long puzzled over the apparent mental instability of great and terrible leaders alike: Napoleon, Lincoln, Churchill, Hitler, and others. In A First-Rate Madness, Nassir Ghaemi, director of the Mood Disorders Program at Tufts Medical Center, offers a myth-shattering exploration of the powerful connections between mental illness and leadership and sets forth a controversial, compelling thesis: The very qualities that mark those with mood disorders also make for the best leaders in times of crisis. From the importance of Lincoln's \"depressive realism\" to the lackluster leadership of exceedingly sane men as Neville Chamberlain, A First-Rate Madness overturns many of our most cherished perceptions about greatness and the mind.
Editions of A First-Rate Madness
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781594202957
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780143121336
- EBook
- ISBN 9781101517598
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593869512
- AudioStreaming
- ISBN 9780593869529
Read an Excerpt
The New York Times bestseller
“A glistening psychological history, faceted largely by the biographies of eight famous leaders . . .” —The Boston Globe
“A provocative thesis . . . Ghaemi’s book deserves high marks for original thinking.” —The Washington Post
“Provocative, fascinating.” —Salon.com
Historians have long puzzled over the apparent mental instability of great and terrible leaders alike: Napoleon, Lincoln, Churchill, Hitler, and others. In A First-Rate Madness, Nassir Ghaemi, director of the Mood Disorders Program at Tufts Medical Center, offers a myth-shattering exploration of the powerful connections between mental illness and leadership and sets forth a controversial, compelling thesis: The very qualities that mark those with mood disorders also make for the best leaders in times of crisis. From the importance of Lincoln's \"depressive realism\" to the lackluster leadership of exceedingly sane men as Neville Chamberlain, A First-Rate Madness overturns many of our most cherished perceptions about greatness and the mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A First-Rate Madness about?
The New York Times bestseller
“A glistening psychological history, faceted largely by the biographies of eight famous leaders . . .” —The Boston Globe
“A provocative thesis . . . Ghaemi’s book deserves high marks for original thinking.” —The Washington Post
“Provocative, fascinating.” —Salon.com
Historians have long puzzled over the apparent mental instability of great and terrible leaders alike: Napoleon, Lincoln, Churchill, Hitler, and others. In A First-Rate Madness, Nassir Ghaemi, director of the Mood Disorders Program at Tufts Medical Center, offers a myth-shattering exploration of the powerful connections between mental illness and leadership and sets forth a controversial, compelling thesis: The very qualities that mark those with mood disorders also make for the best leaders in times of crisis. From the importance of Lincoln's \"depressive realism\" to the lackluster leadership of exceedingly sane men as Neville Chamberlain, A First-Rate Madness overturns many of our most cherished perceptions about greatness and the mind.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in A First-Rate Madness?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political science and theory
Where can I read a sample of A First-Rate Madness?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781594202957
Who is/are the Author/s of the book A First-Rate Madness?
Nassir Ghaemi
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
A First-Rate Madness is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781594202957) and paperback(ISBN 9780143121336) and ebook(ISBN 9781101517598) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593869512) and audiostreaming(ISBN 9780593869529)
Where can I buy A First-Rate Madness online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy A First-Rate Madness from below
Where can I buy A First-Rate Madness?