Creative Collaboration

In this carefully researched psychological study of creative collaboration, John-Steiner (Notebooks of the Mind) challenges the concept of the primacy of the individual championed by developmental theorists such as Piaget, and urges readers to consider cooperative effort as a new paradigm for human creative activity. In seven lucid chapters, this linguistics and education professor delineates three broad categories: developing ""theoretical... models for collaboration,"" identifying ""collaborative dynamics"" in creative ventures and documenting ""experienced thinkers"" engaged ""in joint efforts."" John-Steiner considers an array of primary sources and historical examples, such as the creative partnerships between Henry Miller and Anais Nin and painters Picasso and Braque, as well as collaborations between scientists and social scientists. She includes numerous interviews with well-known artists and scientists like Arnold Steinhardt of the Guarneri String Quartet and psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Though she addresses some very abstract notionsDfrom the basis of gender identity to essential differences between modes of expressionDJohn-Steiner's writing remains clear and delightfully plain. One intriguing area of her research that she might have developed further is the role sexuality and fantasy can play in creative collaboration. In any case, this book will appeal strongly to artists, musicians and intellectual collaborators who are serious students of the creative process. (Dec. 1)