The Creative Spirit: 2tie-In (PBS)

Based on a series produced for PBS-TV, this spirited exploration of creativity includes exercises and practices meant to encourage its liberation. Aided by cartoons, photos and short features, e.g., `` News from the Creative Past '' noting such moments as the discovery of the structure of the benzene molecule or the invention of earmuffs, the authors emphasize that creativity is in the domain of everyone and not an exclusive property of geniuses or the particularly talented. Recent theories in the field, like Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi's ``flow state,'' and the principles guiding the founders of innovative companies such as Body Shop , Patagonia and Sweden's Skaltek are examined as the value of creativity is demonstrated in one's personal life, in childhood, in the workplace and in the global community. Psychologist Goleman, the series' senior writer, producer Kaufman and Stanford business school professor Ray do much to demythologize creativity and make its energy more accessible to readers. Illustrations. 75,000 first printing; BOMC and QPB selections. (Mar.)