Hi Davy. I do have his book in front of me and his idle speculation is just that. You'll find it on pp. 146-7. Nelson was writing when bi-polar was something of a new fad: everyone suddenly had it and it was all in the news. I believe that Nelson betrayed his journalistic background. A historian would substantiate this outrageous and anachronistic claim. There's NARY a citation nor footnote for it.
Great detective work, Ken. Many thanks, indeed.
Hello again, Ken!
I agree with your caution about the diagnosis.
Just to contextualize the speculation by Nelson, however: wasn't he referring to Paine's entire life, not just his final years?
I'd like to see Nelson's references to eyewitness accounts of Paine's "alternately voluble and determinably silent" behavior.
Do you have Nelson's book handy? I don't.
Thanks for Being.
Davy Kydd
Yes, I have his book. I've replied privately to you and will follow up.
Hi Davy. I do have his book in front of me and his idle speculation is just that. You'll find it on pp. 146-7. Nelson was writing when bi-polar was something of a new fad: everyone suddenly had it and it was all in the news. I believe that Nelson betrayed his journalistic background. A historian would substantiate this outrageous and anachronistic claim. There's NARY a citation nor footnote for it.