Memories of Loss and Dreams of Perfection: Unsuccessful Childhood Grieving and Adult Creativity

by Delmont Morrison, Shirley Morrison

Overview

With "Memories of Loss and Dreams of Perfection", Delmont and Shirley Morrison have made an impressive contribution to psychology and to the appreciation of literature by demonstrating the ways in which a children's imaginative play can help them cope with the tragic early loss of beloved family members and by tracing how such early play processes form the basis for adult creativity. Their book is unique in that it: presents new ideas and expands our understanding of the complex interrelationships among loss, child development and creativity, and presents clinical cases of play therapy and case studies of creative adults to illustrate theory and concepts. The Morrisons incorporate scientific research, clinical case studies, and biographies in a manner that provides a deeper understanding of the fiction of Emily Bronte, J.M. Barrie, Jack Kerouac and Isak Dinesen. Readers will be deeply touched and moved to self-exploration by the humanity and sensitivity of this fine book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780895033093
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/01/2005
Series:	Imagery and Human Development Ser.
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Delmont Morrison, Shirley Linden Morrison

Table of Contents

Introduction: Experience as Imagination

Chapter 1:
First Ways of Knowing

Chapter 2:
Imagination and the Shock of Recognition

Chapter 3:
Memories of Loss

Chapter 4:
Playing with Magic

Chapter 5:
Dreams of Perfection

Chapter 6:
Emily Brontë and Her Visitant: Lost Love and Creativity

Chapter 7:
J. M. Barrie: A Search for the Eternal Boy of Neverland

Chapter 8:
Isak Dinesen: Romantic Ideation and the Quest for Self

Chapter 9:
Jack Kerouac: Saints and Fallen Angels

Chapter 10:
Final Thoughts: Loss, Love, and Creativity

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Susan Richardson, MA, PsyD (Private Practice)
Description: This book describes how childhood grieving is different from adult grieving and how seminal events in childhood affect creativity. The theory is highlighted with an exploration of some historical artists and early losses in their lives.
Purpose: The purpose is to explore how childhood grieving and its enduring effects can be manifest in adult imagination. The authors discuss how adults use their memories for creative reconstruction of the early lifetime loss. The concept is ably covered with their discussions of the lives of Emily Bronte, Jack Kerouac, and others.
Audience: It is written at a level appropriate for graduate studies in childhood or grief. It draws upon Piagetian learning theory, so it may be of interest to professors in this area as well. It may also be useful for clinicians specializing in loss and/or trauma, but it is a predominantly theoretical work.
Features: The book advances an interesting theory about the role of early loss, the cognitive processes of early loss, and how these are reflected in later adult creativity in some individuals. The theoretical linkage with lively biographical sketches of well known artists is particularly nicely written. The authors include some clinical vignettes as well.
Assessment: Although the book is theoretical, drawing upon earlier works of learning and loss, it has a unique focus — the resulting adult creativity that stems from childhood grieving. It is sensitively written and well researched. It is useful reading for those interested in these interrelated areas.

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