This textbook focuses on the development and education of talented children and adults. Part 1 considers who the gifted and talented are, in terms of personality aspects, intellectual competence, and specific talent in a domain. It presents a pyramidal framework of talent based on looking at adult talent and its precursors in childhood behavior. Chapters in Part 1 are: "Who Are the Talented? Giftedness, Talent, Genius, and Intelligence"; "Getting Started: Developing a Program for Talented Youth"; "Identifying the Academically Talented: Superior Cognitive Talent and Specific Academic Talent"; "Creativity and Talent"; and "Identifying Creativity and Talent Behaviors." Part 2 considers the paths of talent development, from birth to adult in three chapters. Part 3 considers what one does with talented children, in curriculum and counseling. Part 3 chapters are: "Precepts for Curriculum for the Academically Talented,""Curriculum Practices: In and Out of the Classroom,""Guidance and Counseling Needs of the Talented," and "At-Risk Talented Children." The text emphasizes guidance aspects of dealing with talented children more than therapeutic approaches. Each chapter begins with focusing questions. Several case examples are offered of talented individuals, programs serving the gifted, and techniques for teaching gifted and talented individuals. Appendices contain a gifted/talented data gathering questionnaire and the text of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (Contains approximately 850 references.) (JDD)