In My Blood: Six Generations of Madness & Desire in an American Family

a book by John Shaw Sedgwick (b. 1954)
published 2007 by HarperCollins Publishers, New York

John Shaw Sedgwick, the author of the book, is a descendant of Theodore Sedgwick (1746 - 1813), who was a great-great-great grandson of Immigrant Ancestor Robert Sedgwick (1613 - 1654). The book traces the generations between them, a search for ancestral sources of a "severe depression" that beset the author.

There are many positive reviews from the literary community, but within this branch of this Sedgwick family the book has turned out to be very controversial. I have received from members of this branch several reports of "inaccuracies," "out-and-out fabrications of 'truth,'" "historical flaws," and "unnoted fictionalizations." Some members of this family have expressed "dismay" and a desire "to add my voice to the growing chorus of protest to the book currently being generated within the family." Some have asked that this reference to the book be removed from Sedgwick.org.

The book exists. Accurate or inaccurate, I think it best to leave reference to the book here with note of these reports and disagreements. I have purchased it, but so far have read only the introductory material. I'll add my thoughts after I do read it.

-Dennis Sedgwick


The book is available at Amazon.com. (No, I don't get a commission.)

In My Blood: Six Generations of Madness & Desire in an American Family