The Flash of Genius.

This book with the flashy title and the explosive dust cover consists of an effort on the part of A. B. Garrett to set forth what he conceives to be the major discoveries of the modern world. Insofar as it is possible to find and analyze those forces which have led to discovery, he aims to do so. Hardly any aspect of psychological and intellectual study defies critical and satisfying analysis more obdurately than does the elusive matter of inspiration, creativity, and discovery. What is it that impels, excites, or makes luminous those creative people who can see a new truth which everyone suddenly recognizes as having been all too self-evident? In fact they decry it as already known or unimportant and, after a while as old. What is it that ignites the flame of inspiration in a poet, a dramatist, or a novelist? What enables the creative artist to