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(Kogan Page) Looks at creativity in education and learning, examining in detail the roles of thinking, personality, motivation and social factors in creativity. Provides readers at all levels guidelines for fostering creativity, with an international and historical sweep. Softcover. ... Read more

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Integrating the psychology of love and creativity, this pioneering book explores both how a couple's involvement as lovers influences their creative collaboration and how working together affects their relationship. Representing a variety of genres-painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art-the celebrated couples profiled here include, among others, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio, and Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel.

Intrigued by this process of "intimate creativity," psychologists Irving and Suzanne Sarnoff (themselves partners in love and work) decided to conduct in-depth interviews with partners in visual art because they defy the supremely individualistic tradition of their field. Whatever their age or sexual orientation, these artist-couples combine their talents to form a collective identity as a professional team. Passionately intense about their shared commitment, they communicate endlessly to resolve conflicts and reach consensus. Providing mutual validation and support, they increase their productivity and the quality of their work; they minimize their fear and frustration and enhance their pleasure in being together.

The authors also draw on historical and contemporary literature about similar couples, ranging from Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber to Gilbert and George to Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Stimulating and engaging, this book highlights the features of a unique collaborative process, considers the connection between creativity and sexuality, and suggests possibilities for any couple to expand their intimacy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

"Case studies" of co-career couples in visual arts
The authors have interviewed Christo and Jean-Claude (sculpture and architecture), Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio (architecture), Kristin Jones and Andrew Ginzel (sculpture), Bill and Mary Buchen (sculpture), Lilla LoCurto and Bill Outcault (fine arts), Andrea Robbins and Max Becher (photo), Anthony Aziz and Sammy Cucher (sculpture, photo), Suzanne Scherer and Pavel Ouporov (painting), Katleen Sterck and Terry Rozo (photo), Gilbert and George (photomontage).

The book contains what the pairs say about their joint creativity, how they cope with conflict, share the ideas, maintin the unity, interdependence and equality, make love and experience sexual pleasure.

There is a little historic overview of the individualism in the art of 21st sentury.

Generally, this book tries to summarize what the loving pairs who perform art have in common.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Jim Marra is one the real geniuses of idea generation!
Jim Marra has a unique way of teaching idea generation.I've used his techniques for years and found each to be on target.If you're a writer or creative director, Marra's book is a must read. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Paper Lightning

Paper Lightning-Prewriting Activities that Spark Creativity and Help Students Write Effectively lives up to its title. Darcy Pattison's book is jam-packed with creative writing strategies. She begins with oral storytelling and rehearsing - a great strategy for sequencing events and adding details. To encourage students to use specific nouns and active verbs, Darcy has included a Sensory Word Bank Chart. Each chapter has teacher directions, chapter overview, getting started suggestions, discussion and student directions. The book includes a section on how to give life to your characters and how to organize facts for report writing. There's a nice surprise at the end of the book-a list of sample answers. This book should be on every writing teacher's resources shelf. And if you're a writer, you'll want to apply these writing strategies into your own work!
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"Why Fly? is without argument, an important contribution to the body of theoretical literature on creativity. What makes this work unique, however, is that it's content and focus also enable it to stand on the shelf along side books on counseling/self help, curriculum development, school administration, business, and leadership. In short, Dr. Torrance has successfully produced a book with nearly universal appeal and application possibilities." - Roeper Review ". . .For readers who are well-versed in Torrance's major ideas and themes, the book will serve as a convenient reference resource and probably as a source of some previously undiscovered pieces. For new explorers into the creativity literature, it will provide helpful "grounding" in the work of a major figure in the field and foundation for new questions and directions." Gifted Child Quarterly ... Read more

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Coloring inside the lines, thinking inside the box, knitting the same-old scarf--those days are over. For knitters looking for something new to spark their imaginations, AlterKnits is the answer. Featuring 27 imaginative projects, 10 creativity exercises, and thought-provoking quotes from AlbertEinstein, Martha Graham, and many more, AlterKnits inspires knitters to expect the unexpected, to enjoy the rewards of experimentation, and to see the possibilities of knitting with broader vision.

Some projects call for unusual materials-plastic tubing (for a bag handle) or sterling silver wire (for a necklace). Others blend different craft techniques-a pullover with sewn-on velvet cuffs, a baby blanket with painted-on polka dots. Still others apply knitting in unexpected places, such as laptop cases and bulletin boards. The creativity exercises-called AlterExercises-challenge knitters to try out new ideas and to ask provocative, sometimes amusing questions. Tucked into a pocket on the inside front cover is the 32-page AlterKnits notebook, the perfect place for readers to work on their AlterKnits exercises and do their own creative doodling .

With AlterKnits, our concept of what we can knit will be forever altered! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

INSPIRATIONAL
THIS IS BOOK IS A CLASSIC OF WHAT YOUR IMAGINATION CAN DO WITH OLD SWEATERS.EACH TIME I LOOK AT THE BOOK, I GET ANOTHER NEW IDEA.MUST HAVE FOR ANY CRAFTER!

Alterknits: Imaginative Project Creativity Exercises
I am not a knitter (but I can dream....) This book is definitely for a more experienced knitter.HOWEVER, it is an absolutely beautiful, hip, book for anyone to look thru.The author's concept of creativity, and sharing it with others, is very inspiring.There is a complete "glossary" of terms in the back for the knitting challenged.Some pretty fun ideas that can probably be transfered to sewing if you're so inclined.I DEFINATELY recommend this title!

Imagination rules
The first thing that struck me about this book was its wonderful binding.Once you open it, you find a little notebook that encourages you to write down your own design notes, inspirations, and knitting anecdotes.A couple more pages into the book, you are immediately struck by the large photographs, the beautiful layout and the well thought out instruction set.

This is no ordinary knitting book - a far cry from the dingy "thick sweater" books, as I like to call them.This book offers modern, inspiring designs ranging from intricate sweaters, to cushions, felted PDA cases and necklaces.Most of the designs incorporate additional textiles, buttons, strings or various other materials.Some projects are simple and can be completed by the beginner in a couple hours, while others raise the experience level and may take a couple weeks to complete.Since I have had this book, I have enjoyed looking through it over and over again and found it not only easy to re-create specific design, but was also able to let me creativity run its own course.

Never judge a book by its cover.
I so wanted this book to be one of those you'll cherish and treasure but it wasn't to be. I consider myself to be an intermediate knitter who loves beautiful clothes and modern fashion but I found the fashion style in this book to be 'daggy' and most suited over 40s. However, a few accessories items are beautiful and I would consider knitting them one day.

To give this book a credit, its graphic design and photography are clean and modern, shame the knitting doesn't match the cosmetic look of this book. I especially love the material binding of this book which should have made this book something to treasure. I am disappointed of its content and beside one or two items, I won't be bother to look into this book again.

Alterknits; from a beginner
I have been brushing up on my 'new' knitting skills.I saw this book, and from the peek inside, had to have it!I am glad I purchased it.The ideas are inspiring, the photo's are beautiful; the book has an overall appealing layout.

The patterns range from 'easy-weekend' projects to complicated, "oh my gosh, I have to try that" patterns. Includes a little notebook to help spark your own creativity...

I would recommend this book if I knew anyone else who enjoyed knitting! =) ... Read more

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How cognitive psychology explains human creativity



Conventional wisdom holds that creativity is a mysterious quality present in a select few individuals. The rest of us, the common view goes, can only stand in awe of great creative achievements: we could never paint Guernica or devise the structure of the DNA molecule because we lack access to the rarified thoughts and inspirations that bless geniuses like Picasso or Watson and Crick. Presented with this view, today's cognitive psychologists largely differ finding instead that "ordinary" people employ the same creative thought processes as the greats. Though used and developed differently by different people, creativity can and should be studied as a positive psychological feature shared by all humans.

Creativity: Understanding Innovation in Problem Solving, Science, Invention, and the Arts presents the major psychological theories of creativity and illustrates important concepts with vibrant and detailed case studies that exemplify how to study creative acts with scientific rigor.

Creativity includes:
* Two in-depth case studies--Watson and Crick's modeling of the DNA structure and Picasso's painting of Guernica-- serve as examples throughout the text
* Methods used by psychologists to study the multiple facets of creativity
* The "ordinary thinking" or cognitive view of creativity and its challengers
* How problem-solving and experience relate to creative thinking
* Genius and madness and the relationship between creativity and psychopathology
* The possible role of the unconscious in creativity
* Psychometrics--testing for creativity and how personality factors affect creativity
* Confluence theories that use cognitive, personality, environmental, and other components to describe creativity


Clearly and engagingly written by noted creativity expert Robert Weisberg, Creativity: Understanding Innovation in Problem Solving, Science, Invention, and the Arts takes both students and lay readers on an in-depth journey through contemporary cognitive psychology, showing how the discipline understands one of the most fundamental and fascinating human abilities.

"This book will be a hit. It fills a large gap in the literature. It is a well-written, scholarly, balanced, and engaging book that will be enjoyed by students and faculty alike."
--David Goldstein, University of Toronto ... Read more

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Coaching the Artist Within contains a dozen simple lessons. Eric Maisel, a leading creativity coach, writes each one with a novelist's flair, as a narrative complete with examples, exercises, and questions to help readers explore and reflect on underlying issues that may be keeping them from pursuing their urge to create. Topics include committing, planning and doing, generating mental energy, achieving a centered presence, becoming an anxiety expert, upholding your dream, and maintaining a creative life. Maisel has worked extensively with creative people - poets, filmmakers, novelists, dancers - and he revisits some of them in coaching sessions in San Francisco, Paris, London, and New York. Typical are the rock musician who wants to pursue a solo career and the screenwriter anxious to become a poet. Their examples both entertain and instruct, outlining how to discover one's personal muse - and the motivation to keep creating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Such a smart, helpful book
Having just received this book about a week ago, and reading it voraciously ever since, I had to jump in to say this: Anyone who experiences blocks and insecurities in his or her creative life will benefit from the uncommon insights Maisel brings. I've read his columns in magazines about writing and art, which is why I came looking for this book. Time and again, Maisel not only gets to the root of what ails us, but explicates with lively, engaging prose. But I particularly wanted to write this review because I had read one suggesting that the book is in the mold of a facile,"ten-things-to-do" self-help tome. That is so far from the truth that it made me wonder whether that review writer had some sort of personal bone to pick or professional jealousy thing going on.

In any case, you'll find insights here, not easy answers, and perhaps enough information so that you really can be a better creativity coach to yourself.

Oy....
I suspect that if you own anything Mr. Maisel has previously written, this book won't be of much use to you.(Also, if you have a lick of common sense this book might not be terrifically earth-shattering, either). I begin to suspect that there's a cadre for popular writers, like groupies, who go on Amazon and *flood* them with bogus good reviews. Either that, or a lot of clueless people who think simple advice like 'create a mission statement' is just the most profound thing they've ever heard.

Crista, another reviewer, was dead on. Nothing new in this book at all.Some of the stuff is almost cringe worthy--I seem to recall at one point he tells you to hang onto a small pebble and squeeze it periodically?I guess he picked that because red strings were already taken, or something.

For a creativity guru, he also, really sadly, plagiarizes himself. That really damages his ethos in my little Book of Ethics and Character. I swear that his entire chapter on 'centering' is the executive summary of 'Ten Zen Seconds'. I guess in that respect, this book might be worth buying if you've never read him--maybe it's a 'Best of Eric Maisel.' And even at that, it's not that good.

The stories are entertaining, and in fact oftentimes more useful than his dopey exercises, but even that grated after a while. Yeah yeah all of your clients are amazingly successful and it's all because of you...ever heard of a little *humility*, mon ami? On that note, allow me to indicate that the ENTIRETY of his further reading/resources appendix at the end of this minim opus are books written by...Eric Maisel.

Helps Bring Good Ideas to Light
If you ever thought about hiring a coach to help bring out your natural talent, try reading this book first. It's delivers ground breaking results that will open your eyes to new ideas and ways of thinking.

This Book Is Helping Me Get Unblocked
I have been working with the ideas in the this book for less than a week, but, already, I seem to have recovered a lot of my lost passion for creativity.I was sinking into a state of overwhelm.Now I am doing just about the same things creatively.The difference is that I am excited about what I am doing, I see meaning in all of this, and my gut level passion to reach my goals has returned.I wake up in the morning excited about my day.I enjoy the personal stories, as I can identify with a lot of the personal creative struggles listed.This is my second Eric Maisel book.The first one just did not speak to me like this one.Now I am all fired up, and looking forward to reading the rest of the book, completing the exercises, and increasing my understanding of how to deal with blockages with some solid, workable tools.

1000X better than "Art and Fear"
Eric Maisel, San Francisco-based creativity coach and trainer of same, has delivered the excellent work Coaching the Artist Within.Unlike Art and Fear, Maisel's work feels more down to earth, less fluff-filled and is well-grounded by the author's experience as a licensed therapist and nationally certified counselor.

Coaching the Artist Within is presented in twelve segments referred to as "skill sets".Each has a specific purpose, being divided into information, examples and exercises.Perhaps it is the (former) teacher in me that appreciates Maisel's straightforward (but by no means flavorless) approach to mentoring over the Bayles and Orland spoonful of sugar oriented methods.The structure and resources in this book are impressive and intelligently presented.Specifically, I found that Maisel's ideas about dualistic thinking, which he identifies as separate from negative self-talk, insightful and relevant to my life and my study.Maisel defines dualistic thinking as a "either/or' mindset in which once a person has chosen their side of the coin a different reality becomes virtually impossible.His examples are easy to internalize:

"The moment I hear a client say that he favors process over product (or, more rarely, product over process) or that he favors simplicity over complexity (or, more rarely, complexity over simplicity), I suspect that he is in the habit of making excuses...and that he must be frequently creatively blocked.Just as one goal of an aware Taoist is to identify the principles of yin and yang and use their power to serve his ends so that in a given situation he manifests either more yin or more yang, the goal of a creative person is to honor both partners of every dualistic pair by choosing the quality he will manifest at different times."(Pgs. 56 - 57)

Maisel has chosen an apt delivery system to unmask this most insidious of self-traps.Dualistic thinking might be the most devious of all pitfalls the human psyche can create primarily because it is so unexpected.As he predicted I'd never given a moment of thought to the idea despite finding examples ever present in my daily life.Case in point:

"I'm not a concept person.I'm better at implementing somebody else's plan once it's been made."
"I've never been one for math.I prefer art, music and language oriented studies."
"Creativity is not my strong suit.I prefer more analytical pursuits."

Any accompanying contradiction in such thinking doesn't seem to eat into its effect.Dualistic thinking needn't make sense to survive; it works perfectly well in the absence of logic.Someone I know is fond of saying that the subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, it just records the most predominate messages and acts accordingly.If her theory is false there's no harm done.If it's true however...

Coaching the Artist Within is a primer for personal growth and creativity.Best of all no psychological subterfuge is employed in the delivery of its message; no Freudian-like analysis of the underbelly of its readers is necessary in order for them to put the concepts to good (and immediate) use.Maisel's writing expresses a respectful understanding of artistic anxiety without coddling or handholding, employing practicality and reverie in equal measure:

"Every creator is dreaming, but using the actual stuff of life, the formulas of chemistry, the lightness of feathers, the pliability of clay.Without a dream, the clay just sits there.Without the clay, the imagined jar holds no water...The dreamer rejects reality, the realist rejects the dream, the artist embraces both dream and reality...In your art and in your creative life, you uphold the dream and you respect reality.On a day that is too real, you remind yourself, `I have a dream!'On a day that is too idle, you remind yourself, `Get real!'...Since dreaming and reality-testing are both needed to fulfill your mission, both are moral imperatives."(Pgs. 177, 178)

If there is only one gift to be gleaned from Coaching the Artist Within it is this:Eric Maisel allows that creativity is a principle by which to live.By using the phrase "moral imperatives" he creates permission for artists to honor and feed their passions with legitimacy and gusto - supported from within by a strong framework of certainty that not to do so would be to starve a living thing, encouraging its death.
... Read more

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What is the price of brilliance? Why are so many creative geniuses also ruinously self-destructive? An addictively readable reference to the untidy lives of our greatest artists and thinkers--fully illustrated and beautifully designed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Interesting and an easy read.
I bought the book for a flight to Europe.It is very interesting as it has pictures of the famous, a description of their lives and brief descriptions of their deaths due to drugs or alcohol, often through suicide.The book makes the point although not directly, as to the dangers of such abuses and a reminder that not even the richest, most beautiful, talented, famous, revered people can necessarily escape from the horrors of drug and alcohol abuse.

Might also be a good book for adolescents to read as a true account of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Not Comprehensive but Impressive, Funny & Morbid just the Same.
Heath Ledger made the cut which is a good indicator to how up-to-date this encyclopidia of how Artistic types do themselves in with a little chemical assistance is.

Michael Largo is interested in Death. Particularly when it's interesting. More often than not and sometimes unintentionally people make an exit so dramatic or comic that it must be commented on. Largo has an entire series where he catagorizes memorable 'death-Exits' and in "Genius & Heroin" he focuses on how drugs, alcohol and some rather unorthodox use of other, unlikely chemicals can 'Enhance' the memorability of death... And it's certainly not boring!

Seriously, this oddball assortment of deep sleeps could easily write itself since truth is truly stranger than fiction. However, Largo clearly has a lot of fun with his 'interests' and helps emphasize the funny which results in black humor with a nice sunny aura.

Weird? yes, very much so and highly recomended.

Great little read.
This is a great look into the lives of some of the best writers, musicians, artists, and actors throughout recorded history, and the obsessiveness they all shared for there respected craft, and the vices that lead to there ultimate finale. Its a relatively quick read, with fun little facts, and quotes and information about other people with similar problems or in the same kind of field. You will enjoy this book for the information you pick up, and for learning some of the sordid details about people whose books you read, plays you have seen, music you have heard, paintings you have absorbed real downfall in life. I cannot recommend this book enough.

Marvelous
For me, this book is the first time anyone has, with such utter conviction and discipline, written a page-turning collage of insightful, honest, and witty mini-biographies revealing the link between some of the most fascinating minds in the history of mankind and some of mankind's most fascinating addictions. It is a great accompaniment to my collection of Robert Greene (48 Laws, Art of Seduction) and Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People) in that it studies some of the same great authors and thinkers that are quoted and referenced in both Greene's and Carnegie's literature. I found it tastefully humorous to find the author's own name listed in the appendix of modern artists, authors, and other influential minds that have undergone rehab. For creative types in particular, this book is almost inspiring--Largo makes his the observation various times throughout the text that much of the greatest art in the world was not created in a luxurious, beautiful mansion overlooking the ocean, but instead in run down hotel rooms at the mercy of a plethora of different addictions. While turning the pages we are constantly reminded that we know so little about the behavior and nature of the human, a subject this book challenges us all to undertake. Largo's charming style of writing biographies in a realistic way--he highlights the bad along with the good in each of his profiles--allows readers to relate to the mysterious creators of the past as well as great artists of the present. For creative people especially, this book is a must-have.

Dishing The Dirt On Famous And Neglected Artists
One difficulty with positive reviews is that there seems to be so few ways to say you like the book. Bad books are bad in their own way, but good books only seem to be good in one way.

"Genius and Heroin" is a collection of weird stories about famous people. It tries to position itself as a study of the connection between artists and self-destruction. But, really, it's slumming. It just wants to dish the dirt and parade the freaks, and I'm happy with that. It's a great collection, and that's speaking as the proud owner of the"People's Almanac" series, "An Incomplete Education," John Scalzi's "The Book of the Dumb" and the highlight of my collection: "Who's Had Who," which compiles chains of people linked by "rogers" (I have to mention that you may know two of the authors: Helen "Bridget Jones' Diary" Fielding and Richard "I wrote all those BritRomCom movies starring Hugh Grant that your girlfriend loved and you hated" Curtis).

"Genius and Heroin" is a high-end bathroom book. It's beautifully laid out. The tall trade book fits easily into one hand, and the text is an attractive mix of fonts and interspersed with photos, quotations, clip art, movie posters, Japanese prints and even briefer sidebars. An entry on Lulu Hunt Peters, the 1920s diet guru who died of we now recognize as anorexia, is accompanied by a note about Karen Carpenter; the death of River Phoenix -- see what I mean about this not being a book about geniuses? -- is followed by a list of other actors who died young from drug overdoses.

Author Michael Largo did quite a lot of research. His entries are packed with facts and some of the entries have the depth and flavor of the best biographies. Moreover, for all the obvious candidates (Virginia Woolf, Vincent Van Gogh, Hunter S. Thompson), there are plenty of lesser-known figures, from the classical era (Lucan, Seneca) to today (John Minton, Jaco Pastorius and Louis Verneul, the popular playwright -- now forgotten -- who filled his bathtub with blood from his slashed throat).

I could go on, but you get the ideal. My liking for "Genius and Heroin" is turning into an obsession, so I have to finish this review and put the book out of sight before I pick it up and spend another pleasant hour or two thumbing through its pages. Now, I wonder where my copy of "Who's Had Who" went? ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (40)

Baked Air
Perella and Pals ought to have been the title of this book, as it 'showcases' the work of said artist and her chums.It gives virtually no creative guide to anyone that I can imagine, no hint of the process that leads to any of the finished work, and some of the work is plainly terrible.An awful lot of what passes as mixed media or altered art these days is just crap that someone throws together, distresses a little and puts some stupid inspirational word to ('dream', 'friends', 'voyage' - you *know* the rubbish I mean), and I am afraid that a lot of the work in this book falls into that category.I bought the book, I read it, then re-read it, hoping to see something jewel-like that I'd missed the first time - I think I even shook the book in case something might fall out.Alas.

great resource
Al.pha.bet.i.ca was one of 2 books I used for resource material to create curriculum for a collage class.The illustrations are juicey.The layout was fantastic with 'try this' and 'the telling detail' inserts to get your interest peaked.

Beat those Creative Blocks
This is not a book for people who don't want to be messy.This is a book about digging into your art supplies and learning what they are for and learning the ones you love to use.

This book is truly wonderful in that it gives examples of top-in-their-field artist examples, shows many different styles of ORIGINAL work, tells the steps the artists used to get there, gives "Try This" ideas to get your wheels turning and finally, gives a small glimpse into the artist's studios and their lists of who inspires them.

This book does assume you have some knowledege of artistic supplies already.It does not give step-by-step instructions on "how to" do a journal page.It does discuss gesso, acrylic paints, dimensional items and so much creativity it is incredible.The "Try This" segments run throughout the book and give easy to find items and outlines for you and your creativity to explore yourself and your own style of work.

Fabulous!

QUARRY books are the BEST!
This book is FULL of actual artist examples in full color!You couldn't ask for anything better in this form of art.AWESOME!

More Than Just Eye Candy...MUCH More!
Out of all the books I own, Alphabetica is the most insightful creative book on my shelves...and even though I just received it, I can already tell it will be a book I go to again and again. There is more eye candy than is possible to comprehend in a single sitting - and the ideas put forth by the artists in the book are nothing short of amazing. Ms Perrella had a stroke of genius with this book - and the pure talent she has is showcased beautifully in Alphabetica. The other artists in the book stand on their own, adding to the inspirational factor - each artist produces fascinating work. The interplay between each contributor is awesome - although each work is interesting and makes you want to grab your supplies, the pieces play well together - there is not one single instance where the pieces are competing for the spotlight. There is definitely something to be learned from every page of this great book - whether you are a novice artist, or find yourself further along on the experience ladder. Alphabetica is a book you'll refer to time and again - as much for technique ideas as inspiration. I'm definitely a fan of Ms Perrella's after reading this book - she fills the roll as writer very well, and as artist with raw excellence. This is a must have! ... Read more

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Product Description
Creativity explores the moral dimensions of creativity in science in a systematic and comprehensive way. A work of applied philosophy, professional ethics, and philosophy of science, the book argues that scientific creativity often constitutes moral creativity_the production of new and morally variable outcomes. At the same time, creative ambitions have a dark side that can lead to professional misconduct and harmful effects on society and the environment. ... Read more

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Activity Analysis, Creativity and Playfulness in Pediatric Occupational Therapy: Making Play Just Right is a unique resource on pediatric activity and therapy analysis for occupational therapists and students. This text provides useful information on planning creative and playful activities within therapy sessions. This resource contains case studies, activity worksheets and a DVD with over 90 minutes of video footage. ... Read more

Product Description
It all revolves around Flash and Math. It's what you do in your spare time, just take little ideas and mess around with them. This is a book of inspiration, beautiful enough to leave on the coffee table, but addictive enough to keep by your computer and sneak out while no-one's looking so you can go back to that movie that you were tinkering with 'til 3 o'clock this morning. It's a fun book.

It's a book of iterative experiments, generative design. Each author does four experiments. Each experiment takes up four pages. We give you the code and explain the essence, then you take away your inspiration and run with it. The purpose of the book is to learn through experimentation because you are inspired to do so, not because someone is telling you to do so. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Great book
Though it's in ActionScript 2.0, this book is very good if you're into creating visualizations via programming (not only ActionScript). It shows the creative and logical process behind the code (I think that's much more important that the code itself). And it's also a beautiful book to add to your collection :-)

And you can also download all the .fla used in the examples.

Math and Flash combine to provide interesting animations
This book is stunning visually and is just overflowing with inspiration. This is a book intended to show us what the Flash community has been able to come up in terms of creation and allows us to tinker around with the code. If you like to take a basic principle and see it evolve given enough time and interest, then this is the book for you. If you enjoy seeing "how" things function rather than "why" they work, you have the opportunity to tinker and toy with the variables to see exactly "how" it changes the overall look of the final piece. To get the most from this book the reader is expected to understand the basics of ActionScript as well as the techniques common in most projects. This is not intended to deter the beginner, as you will surely learn much.

The book is laid out pretty straightforward. There are 15 chapters with each one dedicated to a certain individual who goes through each of his creations and iterations.Suggested reading by the people at "Friends of Ed" is to grab the source files, run them, and then read the chapters. Some of the source files are adequately commented so in some, the book isn't even needed. That is not to say, however, that this book is not necessary to understand what's going on. The book gives you quick insight to the authors' mindset and thinking, and each chapter begins with an overview of where they are from, what they do, how they have come to do this, and interests.

There are actually two parts to the book. The second part consists of the last three chapters and has what you'd consider an "application" or an "engine" for viewing the creations and being able to manipulate them directly. The first part of the book is dedicated to finding a variable, which for the most part is explained in the book, changing it to your liking, viewing the results, and reviewing the code. At the end of the book there is a Tangents page which provides 54 links to explore.

In case you are wondering where the math fits in, it's scattered throughout the book. However, sometimes, we are not presented with the reasons for using "128" for variable "p" to multiply by var "b" which has the value of "14". You may often be left scratching your head and asking why, but that isn't the point. Sine and Cosine are presented quite clearly in the first chapter and there is a terrific example from Gabriel Mulzer, but if you are looking to the find the mysteries behind using atan2 to get an angle, then this book will not answer that question. It is up to you to play the part of explorer to find those answers. You are presented with a wealth of methods that people use, inspiration for them, and experiments that the reader is encouraged to break. You are given a chance to use these methods to have fun and use them as springboards to access that creativity that lurks in each and every one of us.

In conclusion, if you enjoy going through code with a fine toothed comb and if you want to pick up valuable techniques for doing certain things with Flash, as well as be dazzled by some of the innovators of our time, get the book. It is the perfect culmination of what Flash ActionScripting can do. I would show the table of contents at this point, but all of the chapters are named after the innovators themselves, and would provide little insight to the contents.

actionscript and Math
I appreciate the book and it helps to understand how to create nice animations by using maths.
I think it needs more Classes writing and not only timeline.

People, it's called flash math CREATIVITY
The Flash Math books are great.But not if you want an O'Reilly cookbook of answers to your design problems.It's all about inspiration.Being able to look at something and say "wow, that's so beautiful" and either need to make it yourself just on principal, or see that maybe one day you can use the idea yourself on all those practical things you're so worried about. If you get all juiced up creatively from the things you see around you, this is a perfect book.It's 4 instead of 5 because it doesn't come with a CD.But you can go to the website for the book and see things in action.

That probably appealed to the left brain folks.

For the right brain ones among you.No, this will not teach math.No it won't explain much in the math department at all.It does give the code, it allows you to experiment with what Flash will do, it might renew your interest in Flash.Kind of like watching one of the a-lister Flash kids talk at a Flash Forward conference, it might do that more than looking at a Hockney photo collage (both work for me).If you don't work that way, buy it and give it to one of your left brain Flash friends.

It will be great fun for them, they will get to feel like they remember their math and are much better at it now.And it will make pretty things.

Some Assembly Required
The book is great.I find the negative reviews puzzling because this book is like a $30 kit for a working spaceship, but you have to weld the wings on yourself.Big deal.What's wanting in so many Flash books are examples of the astonishing things you can do with Flash.This book shows what can be done, then hands you the code on a platter.I guess if you're more the designer type and you want to do great stuff using the math functions in Flash, you, um, er -- need to learn some math.But don't complain that every author hasn't lined up to correct your particular brand of ignorance.Read a book. ... Read more

Product Description
Swarm Creativity introduces a powerful new concept-Collaborative Innovation Networks, or COINs.Its aim is to make the concept of COINs as ubiquitous among business managers as any methodology to enhance quality and competitive advantage.The difference though is that COINs are nothing like other methodologies.A COIN is a cyberteam of self-motivated people with a collective vision, enabled by technology to collaborate in achieving a common goal--n innovation-by sharing ideas, information, and work.It is no exaggeration to state that COINs are the most productive engines of innovation ever. COINs have been around for hundreds of years.Many of us have already been a part of one without knowing it.What makes COINs so relevant today, though is that the concept has reached its tipping point-thanks to the Internet and the World Wide Web.This book explores why COINS are so important to business success in the new century.It explains the traits that characterize COIN members and COIN behavior.It makes the case for why businesses ought to be rushing to uncover their COINs and nurture them, and provides tools for building organizations that are more creative, productive and efficient by applying principles of creative collaboration, knowledge sharing and social networking.Through real-life examples in several business sectors, the book shows how to leverage COINs to develop successful products in R & D, grow better customer relationships, establish better project management, and build higher-performing teams.In short, this book answers four key questions: Why are COINs better at innovation?What are the key elements of COINs?Who are the people that participate in COINs and how do they become members?And how does an organization transform itself into a Collaborative Innovation Network? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Advanced Reviewer Comments
Disclosure: I am the VP Corporate Communications for iQuest. The author is president of our company. The following advance comments are reprinted from the dust jacket of Peter's book.

"Filled with real examples and practical suggestions, this thought-provoking book gives insightful guidance to anyone trying to harness the power of collaborative innovation unleashed by today's new communication technologies." --Thomas W. Malone, Director, MIT Center for Coordination Science, and Patrick J. McGovern Professor of Management, MIT Sloan School of Management

"This book illustrates that collaboration is key for successful companies. It shows how collaboration and innovation extends into all aspects of daily business life. Applying the principles outlined in this book will help companies to innovate by working together and learning from each other in social networks." --Dirk Havighorst, Senior Manager Procurement & Supply, DaimlerChrysler

"Swarm Creativity brings a totally fresh look at innovation and collaboration. This book is a must-read for anyone in a business who is faced with the need to constantly innovate in order to remain competitive. It helps organizations shape their strategies based on principles of social networks, ethics, and meritocracy. By becoming Collaborative Innovation Networks, organizations will increase performance and become more creative." --Kurt Wolf, Managing Director, UBS

"Peter Gloor offers a visionary guide into novel organizational forms and the opportunities they present for innovative companies. This is a wake-up call, challenging our most basic assumptions about management of organizations. His timing is perfect: loosen the hierarchy...harness democracy...think not of employees, but of partners. This is a book packed with insights and wisdom. Leadership would be well served to incorporate its lessons into the new networked business world of today." --Walter Etter, COO, Banca del Gottardo, Switzerland

"We live in the age of networks. We advise young people to build networks to advance their careers. We study organizations by assessing the networks that develop within and among them. We encourage firms with like technology to cluster geographically so their scientists can 'network'. And, of course, there is the Internet that has changed the world, scientifically, socially, and politically. Peter Gloor takes us through one of the most important of these developments: the creation of Collaborative Innovation Networks..." --Thomas J. Allen, Howard W. Johnson Professor of Management and Professor of Engineering Systems, MacVicar Faculty Fellow, Massachusetts Institute of Technology ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The title says it!
This is a wonderful, readable, practical book.It begins with an intellectually honest treatment of creativity theory in a concise, user-friendly format.However, the classroom teacher is the targetedaudience, and the book does a very comprehensive job of presentingresearch-based strategies that can be used in the classroom to enhancecreativity. A great resource! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Nice variety of ideas
I love this book.I have used it for family reunion activities, children's birthday parties, and homeschool ice-breakers.The author spells it all out in steps, even to the point of telling you what to read to participants in the way of instructions.
The materials needed are mostly stuff you have around the house.
It's my go-to book when I need to plan activities.

Easy to use
I found this book easy to use for my high school/middle school student groups.I was able to flip through all the activities and find some that suited our needs perfectly.I didn't need anywhere near all the ideas included - just picked our favorites, and they were all big hits with the students.Now I've signed on to the fanpage on Facebook and get even more quick, fun challenges.

timeless and well-written
I just re-read this book and have shared it with several families in my neighborhood. Two teenagers up the street have customized their own version of some of these activities for school - now that's a compliment.

A regular book
I really expected more from this book. I think it's a bit complicated in your organization. In addition, some exercises and challenges for the facilitator's answer is unclear. As a result there has been very helpful.

Lots of good ideas
I have worked with a small group of gifted Jr. high age students for several years and had run out of challenge ideas.This book is great!Instructions are simple and challenges are very doable for the students.I love it! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Ridiculously overrated
Seriously, this book was recently published. I would give it four stars if it were published 30 years ago. I don't see any orignial contribution for this topic. Most of the "Key Points" are just common sense. The worst part is the lack of depth in many important topics. The author talks about risk-taking again and again, but never gets further to explain what the risks might be and how to effectively manage those risks. If you think a book with prevailing superficiality would help you a lot, then go ahead and buy this book.

Innovative leaders induce creativity
A companion to "Leadership and Motivation: The Fifty-Fifty Rule and the Eight Key Principles of Motivating Other", another book by the same author, "Leadership for Innovation: How to Organize Team Creativity and Harvest Ideas" is beautifully executed. Specifically, it deals with innovations and how leadership affects the innovation process. It defines an innovation as "turning ideas into useful, practicable and commercial products and services" (p.13). Having done that, and done it well, I would add, the book turns to the six factors that determine successful innovation: (a) firm commitment, (b) positive thinking, (c)long-range perspective, (d) appropriate response to change, (e) ability and willingness to take risk, and (f) a supportive environment. That is all in the first two chapters. Nice!!

Chapter 3 concentrates on building creative teams. The keys there are freedom, clear communication of ideas, right balance between creativity and productivity, and innovative leadership. The discussion is backed up by two case studies: one about an organizational environment that fosters innovations (DNA Lab), and the other about an innovative leader (Soichino Honda). An important conclusion from these examples is that innovations require a firm commitment from top management, and Chapter 7 describes how to motivate creative people. The book does a superb job of outlining the characteristics of creative individuals (pp. 74-75), and what creative people expect from the organizations they work with/for: (i) recognition and appreciation, (ii) freedom to align their work with their interests, (iii) encouragement to take risks, (iv) contact withstimulating colleagues, and above all else (v) creative leadership to inspire them. And who are creative leaders? They are leaders who: take risks; accept new ideas; are not afraid to bend, perhaps even break, conventional rules; respond quickly to change; and are personally enthusiastic about their own work and the work of their followers.

The last three chapters of the book deal with team creativity, sources of ideas, and learning to accept change. There are five principles to overcoming obstacles to change (pp. 116-124). At the bottom of it all is the notation that change is generally easy to accept if and when it is life-affirming. The sources of ideas are similarly commonsensical: suggestions from other people, quality controls, education and training, and creative teams. Teams are creative if they: build on existing ideas rather than trying to reinvent the wheel; brainstorm regularly; and are active, organized, and critically constructive. Anyone would enjoy this book - more than two thumps up - way more!

Amavilah, Author
Modeling Determinants of Income in Embedded Economies
ISBN: 1600210465

Simply put, "Leadership For Innovation" should be considered mandatory reading for anyone charged with the responsibility
In "Leadership For Innovation: How To Organize Team Creativity And Harvest Ideas", author John Adair draws upon his many years of experience and expertise advising business, governmental, education, health, and volunteer organizations throughout the world to present an superbly organized, informed and informative instruction manual for dealing with the contemporary challenges all modern businesses face that requiring them to either innovate or face stagnation, the adapt to the changes brought on by a fiercely competitive, highly volatile, and continually evolving marketplace be it local, regional, national, or international in scope. Adair examines the links between leadership, creativity and changing using his distinctive style to explore every aspect of developing and implementing business leadership and team-driven profitable growth. Simply put, "Leadership For Innovation" should be considered mandatory reading for anyone charged with the responsibility for their business to be competitively profitable regardless of its product or service. ... Read more

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Leading scholars reflect on the 1492 expulsions of the Jews from Spain. ... Read more