Sudden Genius: The Gradual Path to Creative Breakthroughs - Hardcover

Robinson, Andrew

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199569959 ISBN 13: 9780199569953

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2010

Synopsis

The extraordinarily inventive Linus Pauling, twice winner of the Nobel Prize, was asked how he came to have so many good ideas. Pauling replied: "Well, I have a lot of ideas and throw away the bad ones." Where do ideas come from? And why do the best ideas sometimes strike in a flash of "sudden genius"? Andrew Robinson here offers a fascinating look at the genesis of creativity in science and art, following ten remarkable individuals who achieved brilliant breakthroughs in their fields. Robinson looks first at the scientific study of creativity, covering talent, genius, intelligence, memory, dreams, the unconscious, and much more. He then tells the stories of ten amazing breakthroughs--five by scientists and five by artists--ranging from Curie's discovery of radium and Einstein's theory of special relativity to Mozart's composing of The Marriage of Figaro and Virginia Woolf's writing of Mrs. Dalloway. Robinson concludes by highlighting what highly creative people have in common; whether breakthroughs in science and art follow patterns; and whether they always involve great leaps and "sudden genius."

About this title

About the Author:

Andrew Robinson is the author of numerous books, including five biographies of exceptionally creative individuals in a wide range of fields.

Review:

Robinson's book ranges widely and well, and he proves himself adept at explaining complex concepts. * The Sunday Times * Fascinating book...The book's real value lies in its masterly overview of various theories promulgated about the causes of genius. * The Sunday Times * On the whole, this book does serve a useful purpose: it highlights the fact that creative people are complex individuals who focus on theur work to the exclusion of all else. * New Scientist * Robinson's ten subjects display his impressive intellectual range. * Peter Forbes, The Independent * In view of the ephemeral...nature of his subject, Robinson's calm and authority are exemplary. * History Today * Robinson displays an actute sensitivity to the complexity and nuances of each topic...engrossing and often hard to put down. * David R. Topper, ISIS *

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0199569959
• ISBN 13: 9780199569953
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 371