Creative Edge Insights from the Lives of the Worlds Most Famous Outsiders

In this engrossing new book, Taylor builds on his theory that feeling like an "outsider" from an early age, whether consciously or subconsciously not fitting into the norm, creates an edge which can drive outstanding success in later life. To this core philosophy Taylor adds a new ingredient: that of creativity, and he explores the interplay of these two factors a lack of belonging and creativity in the lives of a sparkling cast of individuals.

Taylor s insightful observations take the reader beyond the glitz and glamour, demonstrating how creative energy, whilst harnessed to produce lives and works of extraordinary genius, often exists against a backdrop of personal struggle and despair. Witness legendary pop artist Andy Warhol, frightened of falling asleep alone, and yet incapable of sleeping with anyone else; or Walt Disney, the creator of an enduring fantasyland for so many children but unable to find happiness for himself. In other cases, the absence of parental approval in childhood loosened the shackles, thus allowing the young Amelia Earhart to ignore her poor co-ordination and lack of spatial awareness to become history s greatest female aviator. Brent Taylor s thoughtful new book provides untold perspectives on these household names, allowing the reader unique access into the mind of some great cultural icons, and charting their journeys from childhood outsiders to adult icons.