Viking/Penguin shares the sad news of the passing of Sir Ken Robinson, internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity, innovation, and human potential, and author of such bestselling books as The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything, Creative Schools, and You, Your Child, and School: Navigate Your Way to the Best Education. Robinson died on Friday, August 21, after a battle with cancer. He was 70.
Brian Tart, President and Publisher, Viking/Penguin, offers this tribute: “Sir Ken Robinson was a great advocate for education and inspired millions through his books and lectures. He will be missed by all of us at Viking/Penguin. His legacy will be long-lasting and his influence among educators, students, and readers will be felt for many years to come. His books are as important today as they were when he wrote them.”
His 2006 TED Talk, “Do Schools Kill Creativity?,” is the most watched of TED Talk of all-time, with more than 66 million views and seen by an estimated 380 million people in 160 countries. In 2003, he received a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his services to the arts.
For 12 years, Sir Ken Robinson was professor of education at the University of Warwick in the UK, before becoming professor emeritus. He advised governments, corporations, education systems, and some of the world’s leading cultural organizations.
He is survived by his wife Thérèse (Lady) Robinson, their two children, James and Kate, son-in-law Anthony, and a granddaughter.
