This book reveals the dramatic stories of twenty outstandingly gifted people as they grew from early promise to maturity in Britain. Recorded over the last thirty-five years by award-winning psychologist, Joan Freeman, these fascinating accounts reveal the frustrations and triumphs of her participants, and investigates why some fell by the wayside whilst others reached fame and fortune.

These exceptional people possess a range of intellectual, social and emotional gifts in fields such as mathematics, the arts, music and spirituality. Through their particular abilities, they were often confronted with extra emotional challenges, such as over-anxious and pushy parents, teacher put-downs, social trip-wires, boredom and bullying in school and conflicting life choices. Their stories illustrate how seemingly innocuous events could have devastating life-long consequences, and confront the reader with intriguing questions such as: Does having a brilliant mind help when you are ethnically different or suffering serious depression? How does a world-class pianist cope when repetitive strain injury strikes, or a young financier when he hits his first million? What is the emotional impact of grade-skipping?

Joan Freeman's insights into the twists and turns of these lives are fascinating and deeply moving. She shows us that while fate has a part to play, so does a personal outlook which can see and grab a fleeting chance, overcome great odds, and put in the necessary hard work to lift childhood prodigy to greatness. Readers will identify with many of the intriguing aspects of these people's lives, and perhaps learn something about themselves too.

More than a quarter of a century ago, Joan Freeman began this study of 210 children, comparing the recognized gifted, the unrecognized gifted and their classmates. This book: describes what happened to them and their families as they grew up and coped with their different circumstances. It also looks at the problems they faced, often described in their own words and contains personal details from in-depth interviews in homes and schools all over Britain, which are at times startling and sometimes depressing. It lays to rest many myths about the development of gifted children.
The book offers insights into the special situations of the gifted and points out much needed changes in their care and education. It is not only important for their own fulfillment and happiness, but for the future of society.

Originally published in 1975, this book aimed to throw light on the practical use of psychology in children's education, for the benefit of students, practising teachers, parents, or anyone concerned with education. Both educators and educated are considered, and particular attention is given to the behaviour of the whole person, both inside and outside the bounds of conventional teaching practice.

Originally published in 1975, this book aimed to throw light on the practical use of psychology in children's education, for the benefit of students, practising teachers, parents, or anyone concerned with education. Both educators and educated are considered, and particular attention is given to the behaviour of the whole person, both inside and outside the bounds of conventional teaching practice.

This book reveals the dramatic stories of twenty outstandingly gifted people as they grew from early promise to maturity in Britain. Recorded over the last thirty-five years by award-winning psychologist, Joan Freeman, these fascinating accounts reveal the frustrations and triumphs of her participants, and investigates why some fell by the wayside whilst others reached fame and fortune.

These exceptional people possess a range of intellectual, social and emotional gifts in fields such as mathematics, the arts, music and spirituality. Through their particular abilities, they were often confronted with extra emotional challenges, such as over-anxious and pushy parents, teacher put-downs, social trip-wires, boredom and bullying in school and conflicting life choices. Their stories illustrate how seemingly innocuous events could have devastating life-long consequences, and confront the reader with intriguing questions such as: Does having a brilliant mind help when you are ethnically different or suffering serious depression? How does a world-class pianist cope when repetitive strain injury strikes, or a young financier when he hits his first million? What is the emotional impact of grade-skipping?

Joan Freeman s insights into the twists and turns of these lives are fascinating and deeply moving. She shows us that while fate has a part to play, so does a personal outlook which can see and grab a fleeting chance, overcome great odds, and put in the necessary hard work to lift childhood prodigy to greatness. Readers will identify with many of the intriguing aspects of these people s lives, and perhaps learn something about themselves too.