Asperger's Syndrome And High Achievement: Some Very Remarkable People [Paperback]

Ioan James (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 17, 2005

This fascinating collection identifies famous figures from the past, whose behaviour suggests they may have had autism, a disorder that was not defined until the mid - 20th century. James looks at the lives of 20 individuals - scientists, artists, politicians and philosophers - examining in detail their interests, successes, indifferences and shortcomings. Among the profiles are those of mathematician and philosopher Bertrand Russell, who wondered in his autobiography how he managed to hurt the people around him quite without meaning to; biologist Alfred Kinsey, who excelled in academia but was ill at ease in social situations; and the writer Patricia Highsmith, who had very definite likes (fountain pens and absence of noise) and dislikes (television and four-course meals). From Albert Einstein to Philip of Spain, these intriguing individuals all showed clear evidence of autistic traits. This book will be of interest to general readers and anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ioan James is Savilian Professor of Geometry at Oxford University, UK.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Pub (November 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1843103885
• ISBN-13: 978-1843103882
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,225,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Offers opportunity for personal insight, August 29, 2006

By 

Optimist (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Asperger's Syndrome And High Achievement: Some Very Remarkable People (Paperback)

This book is not what I expected, yet I appreciate its contribution to the literature on this topic.

Twenty biographical accounts are arranged chronologically. Each offers basic facts about the life and accomplishments of the individual, and includes accounts of their behaviors, their own views of their challenges and accomplishments as well as the perceptions of their contemporaries.

Taken together, these twenty biographies offer me insights into human diversity and the importance of accepting ourselves and others for our strengths as well as our idiosyncrasies. As a teacher it helps me both understand and appreciate unique children.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not another book about famous people who might have had Asperger Syndrome!, February 11, 2006

By 

Suz "treadingwater" (Freeland, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Asperger's Syndrome And High Achievement: Some Very Remarkable People (Paperback)

I have to say, this genre is getting rather tired, and there is a lot of overlap between all the books on this subject, of which there are many. If you already own one of the other books on this subject, you don't need to buy this one, and if you don't already own a book on this subject, this one is as good as any. What else can I say? It's 20 mini biographies of people the author has researched and considers to show signs of having had Asperger Syndrome. Interesting enough, and probably succeeds in the stated aim of raising the self esteem of people with AS.