Encyclopedia of Creativity, Two-Volume Set [Hardcover]

Steven R. Pritzker (Editor), Mark A. Runco (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0122270754 | ISBN-13: 978-0122270758 | Publication Date: August 16, 1999 | Edition: 1

The Encyclopedia of Creativity is the sourcebook for individuals seeking specialized information about creativity and motivation. Subjects include theories of creativity, techniques for enhancing creativity, individuals who have made significant contributions to creativity, physiological aspects of creativity, and virtually any topic that touches upon the subject. Entries are placed in alphabetical order with cross-references to other topics and entries where appropriate. Each entry is written in simple easy-to-understand terms summarizing the most important aspects of creative research and writing relating to the specific topic. A bibliography in the back of each article suggests additional sources for more information. The text is visually enhanced throughout by illustrations and photographs.

Key Features
* A source-book of specialized information about creativity and motivation
* Includes virtually any topic dealing with creativity
* Entries are placed in alphabetical order with cross-references
* Written in easy-to-understand terms
* Illustrations and photographs throughout
* Contains select biographies of internationally renowned creative individuals from throughout history

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Those wishing to study or provoke the creative process know that it is by nature elusive. Academic Press designed the Encyclopedia of Creativity, edited by Mark Runco and Steven Pritzker, to help pin it down by presenting the state of the art in social-science research and theory in a comprehensive, yet accessible, two-volume set. Nearly 200 entries, including important concepts such as Problem Finding and Serendipity, and biographical sketches of creative geniuses such as Sylvia Plath and Charles Darwin, fill 1,400 pages with insights and ideas for people working on the theory or the practice of creativity.

Be warned: Though it is accessible, it isn't pleasure reading. The biographies are occasionally enlightening (if somewhat arbitrary), but most entries are written with the social-science professional in mind and are consequently rather dry. This is no weakness for the serious researcher, however; in fact, the definitions and bibliographies are very helpful for focusing the reader's thinking about difficult subjects. The serious-minded student will find plenty to play with in the Encyclopedia of Creativity. --Rob Lightner

From Library Journal

This two-volume encyclopedia aims to be "comprehensive, and written for a wide audience. Here everyone from the casual newcomer to the seasoned researcher can find a broad cross section of information and even guidance about creativity." Unfortunately, that is only partly true. On the plus side, the articles (generally ten to 20 pages long) cover a wide variety of topics and contain lively biographical sketches of famous creative individuals whose lives have been studied in relation to theories of creativity. Contributors, predominantly psychologists, also include experts in business, education, and the arts. Each article contains definitions of terms unfamiliar to the general reader and also a bibliography. Unfortunately, as is often the case with collections of articles by many authors, the tone is uneven; some of the articles are inaccessible to nonspecialists. Furthermore, most of the biographical sketches, supposedly included to illustrate certain theories about creativity, do not adequately do so. Finally, the index is incomplete: for example, there are no entries for "bipolar disorder," "manic depression," or "depression," and although the relationship between depressive illness and creativity is discussed in the article "Affective Disorders," the nonspecialist would have a hard time finding the information. For large academic libraries only.
-Mary Ann Hughes, Neill P.L., Pullman, WA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1663 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (August 16, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0122270754
• ISBN-13: 978-0122270758
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.6 x 4.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,479,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mark A. Runco is currently the E. Paul Torrance Professor of Creativity Studies at the University of Georgia, Athens.

Mark earned his PhD in Cognitive Psychology from the Claremont Graduate School. He earned tenure first at the University of Hawaii, Hilo, and then at California State University, Fullerton, and then, in 2008, at the University of Georgia, Athens. At that time he accepted the position of Torrance Professor at UGA. He was Director of the Torrance Creativity Center from 2008-2010. Dr. Runco has been Editor of the Creativity Research Journal since 1989 and is a Past President of Division 10 (Psychology, Art, Creativity, and Aesthetics) of the American Psychological Association. He co-edited two editions of the Encyclopedia of Creativity (1999, 2011). Probably for this reason he has, in the past two years, been quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek (cover story), US News and World Report, Oprah, Women's Health, and NPR. His textbook, Creativity: Theories, themes, and issues (Academic Press) has been translated into six languages. His new book, The New Science of Creativity, is due out in the Spring (Taylor & Francis). He is President of Creativity Testing Services, LLC (creativitytestingservices.com), which is the publisher of the extensive "rCAB" (Runco Creativity Assessment Battery). The "r" in rCAB is silent. Or perhaps it is trying to escape.

Amazon usually lists over 30 of Dr. Runco's editing books, text books, and similar publications.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Vital Resource about Creativity, April 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Creativity, Two-Volume Set (Hardcover)

This is an essential set of books for people who are seriously interested in learning what is known about creativity today. The writers are academics who have spent many years investigating and writing about creativity. They carefully avoid "you can do it" cheerleader type material based on half-baked ideas and unproven notions.

That said, some of the entries could be clearer and better written. Nevertheless, I found many inspirational ideas and resources from both a personal and business perspective.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Creativity, March 30, 2007

By 

Maria L. Surprise - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Creativity, Two-Volume Set (Hardcover)

This two volume set provides a comprehensive overview of creativity. The texts are easy to use, and thus far, have provided me with reliable information on various topics. However, the price is a little high for most students...I was quite fortunate to get a discount when I ordered. Also, an updated or paperback version would be nice--perhaps a one volume text--as one could take it to lecture with ease. In spite of these flaws, which are independent of the texts themselves, the encyclopedias are the best in the field to date.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice work, January 4, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Creativity, Two-Volume Set (Hardcover)

Wonderful work. Comprehensive and varied. It is "Academic," for the most part, but NOT highly technical. Best of all it has articles by everyone who is anyone in the field. All of the major figures in this field contributed. Not light reading, but if you want to know what the experts say, this is the book.