The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
Curious History Dangerous: The Genius Myth is Helen Lewis’s exploration of how the idea of genius has shaped—and distorted—views of creativity and achievement. It considers overlooked collaborators, whether inventions are inevitable, and how society decides whose accomplishments count.
At a glance
- Helen Lewis examines how the cultural idea of genius influences judgments of success and achievement.
- The book explores overlooked wives and collaborators and asks whether many inventions are inevitable.
- Its examples include the Beatles and Elon Musk, alongside broader questions about creativity and innovation.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- The subject connects cultural history with questions about how creative work and achievement are recognized.
- The listing describes a mix of research and wit, while customer feedback also praises the book’s informative content and writing style.
Technical specifications
7 specifications| Publisher | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Publication date | June 17 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 320 pages |
| ISBN-13 | 979-8217178575 |
| Weight listed | 476 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.88 x 2.79 x 23.52 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in creativity, innovation and the history of cultural ideas.
- Book-club or discussion-group readers looking at who gets recognized for achievement.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a practical how-to guide or a technical textbook on cognitive science.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
57% 57% - 4 stars
28% 28% - 3 stars
12% 12% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback describes the book as interesting, informative and thoughtful, with readers also appreciating its humour and writing style. For readers drawn to its examination of creativity and the cultural history of genius, those comments suggest an engaging approach to the subject. The available rating distribution is largely positive but includes a smaller share of middle and low ratings, and does not establish why readers differed.
Positive themes
- Readers describe the content as informative and thoughtful.
- Customer feedback praises the humour and writing style.
Frequently asked questions
What is The Genius Myth about?
Helen Lewis examines how the idea of genius has shaped perceptions of achievement and creativity, including the role of collaborators and who gets recognized.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 320 pages.
What language is this edition in?
The listed language is English.
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