The book is designed as the primary text for courses that consider the nature of giftedness. It offers a strong introduction to the study of gifted education, and is accessible to both undergraduate and graduate students. Chapters address the following topics: the study of gifted students; heredity and environment; intelligence constructs; creativity constructs; adulthood--eminence, leadership, and careers; academically talented children; children with talent in the visual and performing arts; typical gifted development; precocious development; inhibited development--underachievement; unfair discrimination, poverty, and minority gifted children; and methods of talent development. Extensive references are included. (DB)