Perspective

Frank R. Wilson is a graduate of New York City's Columbia College and the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco. He is a neurologist and medical director of the Peter F. Ostwald Health Program for Performing Artists at the University of California, School of Medicine. He begins this book during a sabbatical year in the department of neurology at the University of Düsseldorf, West Germany. Wilson's exposure to patients with symptoms of "musician's cramp" makes him aware of the difficulties sculptors, carvers, and surgeons experience.

Wilson's mission for this book is to expose the "hidden physical roots" of human capacity for passionate, creative work. He discusses anthropological, evolutionary, biomechanical and physiological features as well as neurobehavioral and developmental perspectives. The author's underlying thesis is that people are innately resourceful, curious and willing to explore and learn over time and experience to become skillful and...