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

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.