Genius and creativity have long been related to psychopathology. In this book, Professor Eysenck examines the nature of genius, and suggests what role factors such as intelligence, social status and gender play in its expression. The book will be required reading for psychologists, psychiatrists, philosophers and sociologists.



Genius: The Natural History of Creativity presents a novel theory of genius and creativity, based on the personality characteristics of creative persons and geniuses. Starting with the fact that genius and creativity are related to psychopathology, it uses modern research into the causes of cognitive over-inclusiveness to suggest possible applications of these theories to creativity. Professor Eysenck reports experimental research to support these theories in their application to creativity, as well as considering the role of intelligence, social status, gender and many other factors that have been linked with genius and creativity. The theory traces creativity from DNA through personality to special cognitive processes to genius.