In The Mind's Eye
West, T.,

In this updated edition to his fascinating exploration of the "ironies of creativity," Thomas West furthers his ground-breaking research on how some innovations in computer visualisation are making work and education more favorable to visual thinkers. In The Mind's Eye exposes many popular myths about conventional intelligence by examining the role of visual-spatial strengths and verbal weaknesses in the lives of 11 gifted individuals, including Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, and others. West cites research in neuroscience that shows a link between visual talents and verbal difficulties, and he believes the new developments in computer technology herald a significant shift towards the increased use of visual approaches throughout the economy. These changes may be as revolutionary as the technology of the book, which translated ideas into written words. The use of visualisation and virtual reality computer displays has already begun to move out of the world of science into that of business, representing marketing trends through moving pictures rather than tiresome chart and tables of numbers. According to West, creative visual thinkers (many of whom have had difficulties with verbal skills), aided by computers, will be at the forefront of innovation in a dramatically changing society. This revised edition offers a new preface and epilogue with an updated bibliography and expanded resource list, which provides contact information from both national and international organisations and serving a range of interests. Gallery of visual image supporting the author's discussions is also included. "Every once in a while a book comes along that turns one's thinking upside down. In the Mind's Eye is just such a book." - ROEPER REVIEW "Thomas West brings to life the fascinating capacities and syndromes that arise from our visual-spatial imagination. His book proves beyond doubt that we are not all points on a single bell curve of intelligence." - HOWARD GARDNER. Ph.D. author of Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences "In the Mind's Eye shows us that conventional ways of learning and teaching do not always reach all students. In fact, the book confirms that we may be overlooking some of society's creative minds by failing to understand or develop the unique strengths of students who see the world from different perspectives. Mr. West shows us that people with learning differences often see original solutioms that might not occur to someone who knows a vast reservoir of facts, but can't visualize or use that information to take the next step." - CHARLES R. SCHWAB founder and chair of The Charles Schwab Corporation "Thomas West...claims that visualization is not only a legitimate way to solve problems, it is a superior way; the best minds have used it. West urges us to join the dyslexics of the world and use pictures instead of words. In the process we get fascinating glimpses of how other minds have worked - minds that have changed the world." - ALVY RAY SMITH, Ph.D. Graphics Fellow, Advanced Technology, Microsoft Corporation "Both teachers and educational planners [should] read this book and take its message seriously." - T.R.MILES, Ph.D. Vice President of the British Dyslexia Association