Powers of Two: Finding the Essence of Innovation in Creative Pairs - Softcover

Joshua Wolf Shenk

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848545924 ISBN 13: 9781848545922

Publisher: John Murray Publishers Ltd, 1884

Synopsis

Lennon and McCartney, the Wright brothers, Marie and Pierre Curie - despite the persistent romantic myth of the lone genius, some of the greatest creative work has resulted from collaboration between two people. Shenk analyses how the most innovative pairings have worked, and identifies the common journey taken by scientific and artistic minds as they exchange and refine ideas, before arguing that the fluidity and flexibility of the pair makes it the primary creative unit.

About this title

About the Author

Joshua Wolf Shenk is an essayist, author and curator based in Los Angeles. He is a contributor to The Atlantic, Slate, Harper's and other magazines. His first book, Lincoln's Melancholy, was a New York Times notable book and won prizes from the Lincoln Institute and Mental Health America. Shenk directs the Arts in Mind series on creativity and serves on the general council of The Moth.

Review

Fascinating ... highly readable. We may like to think that we live in a world of creative individualism, but this insightful books should convince even the sceptical that when it comes to creating something new and exciting, it really does take two Sunday Business Post An interesting thesis The Economist If - as Harry Nilsson sang - one is the loneliest number, then two might very well be the awesomest. This book proves that if you're interested in doing anything creative - whether that's writing a book, making a film or even starting your own business - you're better off doing it in a pair. So if you and your mate are a fledgling Lennon and McCartney, Shenk says two is better than one FHM Fascinating Irish Daily Mail We sometimes think of creativity as coming from brilliant loners. In fact, it more often happens when bright people pair up and complement each other. Shenk's fascinating book shows how to spark the power of this phenomenon Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs In this surprising, compelling, deeply felt book, Joshua Wolf Shenk banishes the idea of solitary genius by demonstrating that our richest art and science come from collaboration: we need one another not only for love, but also for thinking and imagining and growing and being Andrew Solomon Descriptions of creative life too often focus on individual genius or the wisdom of crowds. The great wit of this book is to reveal a seam hidden between those poles. All future accounts of artistry and innovation will be enriched by the treasures Joshua Wolf Shenk has uncovered in the creativity of pairs Lewis Hyde Fascinating ... [a] provocative thesis on the genesis of creative innovation Kirkus Reviews This is a book about magic; about the Beatles; about the chemistry between people; about neuroscience; and about the buddy system; it examines love and hate, harmony and dissonance, and everything in between. The result is wise, funny, surprising, and completely engrossing Susan Orlean Powers of Two is filled with keen insights into the human condition and terrific examples of creativity at work. This is an inspiring book that also happens to be a great read Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive

Edition details

• Publisher: John Murray Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 1884
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1848545924
• ISBN 13: 9781848545922
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 368