Past Events
Lecture and conversation with Joshua Wolf Shenk, author of Lincolns Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness
Heritage Philadelphia Program presented a lecture and conversation with Joshua Wolf Shenk, author of Lincolns Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness on April 2, 2008 at the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Heritage.
Shenks book, the result of seven years of research, has been characterized as a myth-shattering work of interpretive history that chronicles how Lincolns battles with depression contributed to his remarkable achievements. It was named one of the best books of 2005 by The New York Times.
As the history community locally and nationally prepares for the events surrounding the bicentennial of Abraham Lincolns birth, it seems especially pertinent to consider Lincoln from more varied and nuanced perspectives.
Read the full announcement.