Whatever it takes : ruthless power and suffering genius

Deakin, Peter2018

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Summary

What do Julius Caesar, Pope Innocent III, Thomas More, Napoleon and Abraham Lincoln have in common? What enabled a blind Milton, a deaf Beethoven and a certifiable Virginia Woolf and van Gough to create their memorable masterpieces? Peter Deakin dissects each of these individuals and describes how each of them was able to summon 'whatever it takes' to surmount any opposition or obstacle lying in their path, in order to leave an indelible mark on the world. The book will appeal to many as it concisely describes the lives of each of the 25 individuals in just a few pages. Deakin may surprise many when he writes of the torturous life of one of our greatest composers - Ludwig van Beethoven, many will be unaware that by the time Beethoven had composed the first of his nine symphonies he had already lost 60% of his hearing. Beethoven, who suffered severe depression and anxiety, was in the depths of despair as his hearing declined but he continued, with great difficulty, to compose brilliant and energetic symphonies such as the Second Symphony as well as his first 12 piano sonatas. By 1816, he was completely deaf and thereafter never heard a note from any of his most memorial compositions. In the case of powerful and inspiring leaders, the suffering they inflict on others is what stands out. With the most creative writers, artists and musicians, it's the astonishing pain they have to endure.