Her tracing of the long history of the idea that madness and genius are connected to each other is particularly valuable. She writes, “A possible link between madness and genius is one of the oldest and most persistent of cultural notions; it is also one of the most controversial,” and then traces the link from the pre-Grecian period through Athens’ golden age (Socrates, Plato, Aristotle) and on down through the Renaissance, the Romantic period, and the 20th century. I really recommend the book.

Speaking for myself personally, I’ve had to live and deal with repeated bouts of depression, anhedonia, and inner barrenness over the years, and these have alternated organically with periods of intense energy, enthusiasm, inspiration, and productivity. I don’t suffer from bipolar disorder as such, but I definitely have a mild version of it or something related to it, something like dysthymia as related to full depression. And yes, sometimes the conscious feeling of the low side of the cycle can relate to a sense of isolation from, and misunderstanding by, those in my immediate personal life who don’t “get” the artistic temperament that holds me in its grip.