Understanding Creativity

by Jane Piirto

This reader-friendly book is used as a college textbook for courses in creativity. However, it is also interesting just as a nonfiction book with its sections on creativity, information about well-known creative individuals, and the different domains within creativity-artists, writers, musicians, scientists, mathematician, comedians, and more. Learn how the definition of creativity has changed through the years, and view the author's own depiction of creativity, called the "Piirto Pyramid of Creativity." Read about how Bill Gates embodied the classic traits of an underachieving gifted boy, how Van Gogh's artwork was brushed off by art galleries of his time, and how jazz extraordinaire Ella Fitzgerald was denied a job with a Harlem band because she didn't have the looks. The real-life examples described in this book will help parents and teachers learn to spot talent through children's behaviors and know how to encourage them so that their creativity can shine.

Genres: Nonfiction, Research

544 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Peaches · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of the book really useful in Piirto's passion for creativity, connection of creativity and emotions, and the 7 I's. I'll definitely refer to it in my research despite it being a dated text. The second half with creative inventors, etc. seemed more dated and was less useful for me since I do creative work with students.

[Michelle Smart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had some good information, but there was some bad logic and pompous language that turned new off.