The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life [Hardcover]

John Hunt (Author), Sam Nhlengethwa (Illustrator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1576875164 | ISBN-13: 978-1576875162 | Publication Date: September 18, 2009

As an award-winning playwright, author, and Worldwide Creative Director of TBWA, John Hunt has witnessed again and again the power of original thinking to transform both companies and individuals. In The Art of the Idea, Hunt addresses everyone from the global boardroom to the man on the street, bridging the gap with ease. Few can argue with Hunt's claim that it is ideas that move the world forward, and he refreshingly articulates that anyone can play: there is no hierarchy to original thinking.

The Art of the Idea provides a toolbox for achieving excellence and offers a new way of defining your world. By illustrating how to create space so ideas can breathe, it provides a lifeline to those who find themselves stuck in a rut. Unassuming, original, and accessible, the publication includes insights by this leader in creative thinking, and is accompanied by 20 original paintings and collages by the internationally acclaimed South African artist Sam Nhlengethwa. The Art of the Idea grants permission to trust your instincts, endure initial ridicule, and practice thinking as a team sport.

Whatever your idea is about ideas, this book will change it.

"An original and beautiful book. It suggests that the surest way to liberate ourselves is through the power of our ideas."
--Nelson Mandela Foundation

"This is not just one of those books that makes you think. It challenges you to think. It demands that you think, and to beware of all those obstacles that would stop you from trusting your instincts and finding an idea."
--Lee Clow, Global Director of Media Arts, TBWA\Chiat Day

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Buy a copy of John Hunt's book to put within reach on the bedside table. Buy a copy to keep next to the tub in the bathroom ­ permanently. And one on the stove. And one in your car. And a bedroom extra to keep under the pillow as a talisman. It really is that good-gorgeous-useful-inspiringprofound. (As you can doubtless tell, I'm quite taken by The Art of the Idea.)" --Tom Peters (co-author of In Search of Excellence)

This book is tougher than it looks. At first glance it resembles yet another theorizing tome written by an experienced adman -- in this case John Hunt, a giant of South African advertising and worldwide creative director of TBWA. But it soon transpires that the book has little to do with advertising: the word is never mentioned. Instead, "The Art of the Idea" has more in common with Paul Arden's "It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be." It's an inspirational tool, a guide to the creative process for when your back's against the wall. --Mark Tungate AdAge

About the Author

John Hunt is an award-winning author and playwright, as well as the Worldwide Creative Director of TBWA. In 1993 Hunt was intimately involved in Nelson Mandela's election campaign. In April of 2003, Hunt moved to TBWA's New York headquarters, where he helped reshape the focus of the network to celebrate original thinking and groundbreaking ideas. In 2008, both Adweek and Ad Age named TBWA, Agency of the Year. Hunt has since returned to South Africa, where he continues his Worldwide role.

Sam Nhlengethwa is a collagist, painter, and jazz fanatic. After being named South Africa's Young Artist of the year in 1994, Nhlengethwa quickly gathered global recognition. His work has been shown at the National Museum of African Art, D.C.; Whitechapel Gallery, London; and was reproduced in The 20th Century Art Book (Phaidon Press, 1996). From humble beginnings, Nhlengethwa's talent, although forged during the apartheid years, has always reflected a calm celebration of the human spirit.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: powerHouse Books (September 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576875164
• ISBN-13: 978-1576875162
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.8 x 8.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A GEM!, December 2, 2009

By 

John Odell "Little Johnny" (Santa Monica, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life (Hardcover)

Perhaps, like me, you came across this book at Amazon, seeing it listed among books on creativity. As I write, this is only the second review of this book. That's too bad, because this is a little gem of a book that distinguishes itself from the crowd. When I first unpacked it, it immediately made a fine impression with the crisp "board book" binding and subtle cover art. The production quality of the book is exceptional with fine paper, fonts, and layout touches. The artist illustrations are fresh and give the book a unique mood. The author shares his insights in a series of "observations" that have greater depth than many of the "slice and dice" idea generation books. There are 20 observations of about four substantive pages each, and numerous passages that resonate like memorable quotes. The writing style is both sophisticated and friendly. Okay, that's my take. If this review has piqued your interest, then you're in luck....the publisher's website has ample illustrations and excerpts to give you a taste. I couldn't find this book at B&N or Borders for a prepurchase look-see, and I suspect that it may not be widely distributed. But, I ordered it on a hunch. If you are leaning that way, you are in for a treat. Then, add your review and maybe others will take notice, too.

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Money, December 28, 2009

By 

M. True (Mechanicsburg, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life (Hardcover)

After reading promos of the book by Tom Peters and Seth Godin, I thought I couldn't go wrong by ordering it. Was I ever wrong! I think those two were just trying to promote a friend's book, no matter its actual value. This book can be read in a very short time, because there is virtually nothing in it.

Save your money and your time. This book has only a couple ideas worth putting into print. They could have been put on 4x6 index cards and sold for $1. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Those that gave a bad review might be missing the real idea....., July 16, 2010

By 

David E. Albertson - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Art of the Idea: And How It Can Change Your Life (Hardcover)

This book is has some amazing insight into what blocks ideas from flourishing. Many of the concepts are easy to observe but hard to avoid. This books helps open people minds to the power of ideas and the mindset necessary to let them reach their full potential. In a age of closed minded lemmings, it doesn't surprise me that some would give this book a negative review. Reading this book will help you grow and embrace the free thinking and sharing necessary to have meaningful impact on the world. Even on a micro-level, this book will help you day by day take advantage of the great thoughts that you and those around you have.