Howard Gardner (Harvard U.) is best known for his theory of multiple intelligences introduced in Frames of Mind (1983). Schaler (American U., Washington, DC), a psychologist on a first name basis with him, notes Gardner's multiple accomplishments --some equally controversial--in areas including creativity, leadership, and spirituality. He has compiled an autobiographical essay by Gardner, 13 critical essays, and his responses to them. Criticisms of varying degrees of severity center on such issues as how to develop and assess these abilities. The volume includes an extensive bibliography of Gardner's writings. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)