This international handbook provides a synthesis and critical review of the significant theory and research dealing with all aspects of giftedness. Each article is designed to reflect the state-of-the art from an international perspective, to offer a comprehensive review, and to comprise the forefront of knowledge and thought about the gifted. The 53 chapters are divided into seven parts with the following titles, and prominent themes within each part are indicated in parentheses: (1) "Historical Perspectives and Perennial Issues Related to Giftedness and Talent" (history of giftedness and national/state policies); (2) "Conceptions and Development of Giftedness and Talent" (structural tendencies, models, developmental theories, genetic influence, brain research, thinking processes, longitudinal studies, and prodigies and savants); (3) "Identification of Giftedness and Talent" (alternative "metaphors of mind," methodological problems, visual arts and music, young children, and prediction); (4) "Programs and Practices of Nurturing the Gifted and Talented" (differentiated education, curriculum development, acceleration, enrichment, verbal talents, mathematics, science and technology, leadership, socioemotional development, moral development, creativity, administrative issues, ability grouping, special programs, and evaluation programs); (5) "Other Components of Nurturing Giftedness and Talent" (teachers of the gifted, counseling needs, underachieving gifted, families, disadvantaged and culturally different, gender differences, gifted disabled, mentoring, and community resources); (6) "Examples of Country Efforts, Policies, Programs and Issues" (United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, People's Republic of China, Australia and New Zealand, Africa, and Central and South America); and (7) "Present and Future of Education of the Gifted and Talented" (research and education). Each paper contains references. (JDD)