The Creative Edge: 17 Biographies of Cultural Icons

What accounts for the difference between the mega-success of Madonna and a thousand other wannabes waiting in the wings? Why did JK Rowling succeed where so many others aspiring writers have failed? And what was it about the slightly neurotic and mediocre schoolboy Sigmund Freud that ensured his position as one of the most brilliant and original thinkers in history?   

Discover the x-factor — the driving force behind extraordinary success of some of the biggest stars. In THE CREATIVE EDGE (Wiley, $29.95; December 2008), Brent D. Taylor examines the lives of 17 cultural icons to determine how they became ‘outsiders’ and why this gave them a creative edge. From childhood trauma to sexual deviation, quirky behavior to outright madness, Taylor explores the icons’ experiences and qualities to discover the roots of creativity. From childhood outsider to adult icon, understand the journey of the following celebrities:

 Brad Pitt • Elvis Presley • Frieda Kahlo • Walt Disney • Sigmund Freud • Albert Einstein • Andy Warhol • Coco Chanel • David Beckham • Dan Brown • John Lennon • Sir Edmund Hillary • JK Rowling • Angelina Jolie • Tiger Woods • Amelia Earhart • Madonna 

THE CREATIVE EDGE builds on Taylor’s 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, including: 

Legendary pop artist Andy Warhol, frightened of falling asleep alone, and yet incapable of sleeping with anyone else

Walt Disney, the creator of an enduring fantasyland for so many children, unable to find happiness for himself

Amelia Earhart, with the absence of parental approval in childhood, was able to ignore her poor co-ordination and lack of spatial awareness to become history’s greatest female aviator. 

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.