Book TV: Joshua Wolf Shenk "Lincoln's Melancholy"

Joshua Wolf Shenk talks with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter about his book, "Lincoln's Melancholy." The book, which Mr. Shenk wrote with financial support from the Carter Center, looks at President Lincoln's battles with depression. Mrs. Carter also talks about her efforts to spread awareness of clinical depression and to get legislation passed that will allow treatment to be covered by general medical insurance.

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[ShadowofMeadow]

@postalmeter i just thought the way he wrote about it was "glorious". and if it was about hitler, i mightve said it was "glorious" depending on how it was written.

[postalmeter]

@blueguitarblue

What, Hitler was underqualfied?

[postalmeter]

@ShadowofMeadow

Yeah, like you'd say it was a "glorious insight" if it was about Hitler, who was no more deranged and murderous. Be less of a hypocrite next time.

[ShadowofMeadow]

@postalmeter i said the insight was glorious. not his life, read the comment properly next time.

[postalmeter]

@ShadowofMeadow

if you consider mass-murdering imperialism "glorious;" I'm sure Hitler, Stalin, Lenin, Hirohito and all the rest should be celebrated as heros for murdering over 100 million and conquering sovereign nations.

[postalmeter]

So we learn what we knew all along: Lincoln was a certifiable lunatic and demented psychopath, who got himself elected president, and declared war on his own country, waging unprecedented levels of war against sovereign nations that he hallucinated to be in "rebellion" against a mythical "Union."

But since history is written by the victionrs, since he WON the war, everything he did is being spun to his absolute glory-- it shows the hypocrisy of historians, like defaming Hitler for LOSING.

[ShadowofMeadow]

i just bought this book and its great! it provides a glorious insight into the life of lincoln

[blueguitarblue]

I suffer from mental illness and appreciate what the Carters have done to educate and validate sufferers. And this gifted author, who has been clinically depressed, bravely speaks out about his experiences, AND HE WRITES A BOOK ABOUT MY FAVORITE PRESIDENT? Jackpot tonight! Thanks for posting!

[mrmookhead]

Josh has written an article in the June edition of The Atlantic that is well worth reading. The essay is about the long-term study at Harvard and the men who are part of the study and the men who follow the study. Very moving and sensitive piece of work.

[JulieJulieify]

fascinating lecture--book highly recommended.

josh wolf shenk is a captivating and gifted writer.