Andy Warhol Was a Hoarder

Inside the Minds of History's Great Personalities

By: Claudia Kalb

Narrated by: Lisa Larsen

Was Andy Warhol a hoarder? Did Einstein have autism? Was Frank Lloyd Wright a narcissist? In this surprising, inventive, and meticulously researched look at the evolution of mental health, acclaimed health and science journalist Claudia Kalb gives listeners a glimpse into the lives of high-profile historic figures through the lens of modern psychology, weaving groundbreaking research into biographical narratives that are deeply embedded in our culture. From Marilyn Monroe's borderline personality disorder to Charles Darwin's anxiety, Kalb provides compelling insight into a broad range of maladies, using historical records and interviews with leading mental health experts, biographers, sociologists, and other specialists. Packed with intriguing revelations, this smart narrative brings a new perspective to one of the hottest new topics in today's cultural conversation.

©2021 Claudia Kalb (P)2021 National Geographic

Interesting stories but soaked in authors bias with little self awareness

The stories are great, but the end up each chapter, the author goes on a rant about how medication would have ruined this person and that as a society we are over-using medications for mental illness.

Maybe in some cases medications would have stifled their creativity but a lot of these historical figures lived these dark inner lives. I’ve been there myself before and I’m so happy to be born when anti-depressants and other psychiatric medications exist (read Prozac Nation for life before that). Marilyn and Diana could have lived much longer if they had modern medical treatments.

This book stigmatizes those who turn to medications for help and promotes the idea that certain people should suffer so they can make the world better for other people.

I’ve started fast forwarding through the last few paragraphs of each chapter because it’s repetitive too.