Vessels of Rage, Engines of Power: The Secret History of Alcoholism - Hardcover

Graham, James

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0963024221 ISBN 13: 9780963024220

Publisher: Aculeus Pr, 1994

Synopsis

Describes alcohol addiction and explores how history was shaped by public figures who were alcoholics

About this title

From the Back Cover

"A comprehensive, enlightening and entertaining book [that] will appeal to everyone -- those seeking knowledge of the alcoholic and his or her behavior; the professional in the field of addiction; the alcoholic, active and recovered... "

Conway Hunter, Jr., M.D.

Alcoholism Specialist "a book that will hold your attention from beginning to end. It will be controversial -- raising questions in the minds of historians and medical detectives ... It offers an explanation of previously unexplained acts of cruelty that seemed beyond comprehension. Agree with James Graham or not, his work will definitely cause readers to reevaluate opinions already held."

Harold E. Hughes

Former U.S. Senator

Founder, Society of Americans for Recovery (SOAR) "opens the door to an extremely important, but never before asked question: How much has alcohol-affected and drunken behavior influenced human history? James Graham's unprecedented examination of the disastrous consequences of alcohol-influenced behavior by historical figures is both fascinating and chilling. It should encourage others to participate in an entirely new discipline."

Scott C. Guth, M.D.

Psychiatrist "A bold and unusual approach to a sadly familiar problem. James Graham enters the subject of alcoholism through a very different door and his results are fresh, stimulating, controversial, and appropriately frightening. A unique contribution to the writing on alcoholism."

Dennis Wholey

Author, The Courage to Change

Host, America: Personal Conversations with Dennis Wholey "An absorbing examination of destructive behavior by famous alco- holics and children of alcoholics. Many names will surprise the reader!"

Lucy Barry Robe

Author, Co-Starring Famous Women and Alcohol

Editor, ASAM News

a publication of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Reviews

Graham's central assertion is that alcoholism causes egomania, displayed in such behaviors as denial, lying, overachievement, ethical deterioration, false accusations, rejection of friends, grandiosity, aggressive sexual behavior, multiple marriages, unreasonable resentments, and superficial emotions. Based on their biographies and on alcoholism research, he then "diagnoses" alcoholism in historical figures ranging from Beethoven to Jeffrey Dahmer. Reversing the usual question--Why do so many authors have alcohol problems?--he argues that writing is a profession with particular appeal for self-centered alcoholics. (The same is true of acting.) Traitors, serial killers, business executives, and politicians draw similar attention; for Graham, Hitler's alcoholic father and Stalin, whom he labels "supreme alcoholic," are responsible for this century's most mind-boggling abuses of power. Certainly this is not an essential purchase, and Graham's methods are questionable, but his study will no doubt appeal to readers with a personal interest in--or experience with--alcoholism. Mary Carroll

Edition details

• Publisher: Aculeus Pr
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0963024221
• ISBN 13: 9780963024220
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 235