FROM THE JACKET: ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THIS BOOK
This is a book of glimpses; glimpses of theory, glimpses of practice and glimpses of a better future. Based on the author's previous research and writing, this new work is an ambitious linking of developmental theory to the psychology of creativity. Drawing from the Periodic Developmental Stage Theory presented in Chapter 2, the conditions necessary for creativity are outlined. This book may be expected to appeal to the theorist and practitioner as well as to the interested layman. From developmental theory, many useful suggestions are presented for parents, teachers and counselors to increase their own or their children's creativity ability.
Periodic Developmental Stage Theory may be considered to represent a milestone in the evolution of developmental psychology, naming for the first time three cognitive stages higher than the Piagetian "Formal Operations." Creativity, as one of these, is traced from its preconscious sources through the environmental stimulation necessary for full flowering in adulthood. The latter portions of the book are concerned with selfactualization and its achievement in adult life as a creative unfolding of developmental process. In its wide ranging theory and its practical message, it is a definitive contribution. To some readers it will serve as a counterpart to The Greening of America as seen from the standpoint of developmental psychology; for others it will represent a compendium of developmental process in superior and creative individuals, and for still others it will become a sound psychological approach to creativity and self-actualization.
John C. Gowan is Professor of Education at San Fernando Valley State
College, Northridge, California. He is author or co-author of numerous
books and articles including over 100 professional research publications
in the areas of gifted children, measurement and guidance, and special
education. He is active in many professional organizations concerned with
educational research and acts as editor for newsletters of several such
organizations. He received his masters degree in education at Harvard University
and his doctorate in 1952 at the University of California, Los Angeles.
His professional experience includes that of teacher, counselor and consultant
and he has been visiting lecturer and professor at a number of colleges
and universities.