One of the most important paradigms of human intelligence is the theory of Multiple Intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner. A theory that challenged traditional beliefs about intelligence in the fields of education and cognitive science, and emerged as a counterweight and alternative to the single intelligence paradigm.

In order to know this theory in depth, I recommend you to read our articles:

  • “Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences”
  • “Howard Gardner: Biography of the American Psychologist”
  • “The 12 types of intelligence: which do you possess?”

The Best Books in Multiple Intelligences

Since Gardner made his idea about human intelligence known, many books have been published that deal with this subject. Books that include an enriching content and provide knowledge that can be applied to different areas of our lives: school, family, work…

A good book is undoubtedly the best way to understand and learn about Multiple Intelligences . In today’s article, and so that you can use your free time to learn more about this theory, I have prepared a list of great books on Multiple Intelligences that you should read. Let’s get started!

1. Structures of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner)

In this work, Howard Gardner presented his theory to the world, and with it he has contributed notably to breaking the paradigm of unitary intelligence. The reality is that intelligence is full of nuances, and this is what Gardner expresses in this text.

Although the text was first published in 1983, it was not until 1987 that the first edition in Spanish appeared. This book is a must read for anyone who wishes to know and deepen their knowledge of the theory of Multiple Intelligences , since with this text the author changed the way of thinking about human intelligence.

  • You can buy it here.

Games to stimulate multiple intelligences -Tools- (Celso Antunes)

Although the previous book shows a theoretical proposal of the concept of Multiple Intelligences, this is a totally practical text thought so that the youngest can develop all their potential from an early age.

Throughout its pages, it is possible to find more than 300 stimulating games to work on different types of intelligence. It is a work intended for teachers, psychologists, psycho-pedagogues, counsellors and parents.

  • Buy it here.

3. Reformulated Intelligence: Multiple Intelligences in the 21st Century (Howard Gardner)

“La inteligencia reformulada: Las inteligencias múltiples en el siglo XXI” is an excellent work published in 2003 by Ediciones Paidós (Grupo Planeta), which aims to give continuity to the book by Gardner that I have mentioned before (despite the fact that the author published other texts before) .

In this book Gardner develops two new intelligences, existential intelligence and naturalistic intelligence, and maintains that the concept of Multiple Intelligences is broader than he thought at the beginning. In its pages it is possible to find practical advice for its application in the educational field and thus enhance the creativity, leadership and moral excellence of students. It also links education to the world of work and ensures that multiple intelligences are key in this regard.

  • You can buy it at this link.

4. Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom: A Practical Guide for Educators (Thomas Armstrong)

With this book, Thomas Armstrong expands and revises the concept of Multiple Intelligences applied to the classroom , provides updated knowledge of the latest research in this field, and includes strategies scientifically proven by himself.

In its new edition, it also adds new resources, tools and materials so that students can use the different Multiple Intelligences in which they stand out.

  • You can buy it here.

5. How to stimulate Multiple Intelligences in the family (Amparo Escamilla González)

The family environment is one of the most important educational agents in the growth of the youngest , and that is why this text proposes to stimulate all the potentials of the children’s minds in a direct and action-oriented way.

The author suggests and proposes the keys to create in the family environment and adequate conditions for the correct development of Multiple Intelligences, and justifies why it is necessary to put this theory into practice at an early age.

  • You can buy it here.

6. Multiple Intelligences in Knowledge and Business (Andrés Velásquez and Diana Micolta)

This book deals with Multiple Intelligences (especially emotional intelligence) applied to work and organizations, and how these types of intelligence affect academic and work performance .

The work is based on research carried out by the authors on a group of students in practice at a higher education institution. The results argue that knowing the different types of intelligence allows for the creation of appropriate contexts to enhance the talent of workers and thus be able to use their skills productively.

  • You can buy it here.

7. Multiple Intelligences: keys and proposals for their development in the classroom (Amparo Escamilla González)

A great proposal that deepens in the didactic possibilities of Multiple Intelligences : with which materials, with which strategies and with which techniques to stimulate and develop them.

It touches on theoretical aspects but the book is eminently practical: it presents functional suggestions to guide the way to work and provides techniques to favour a balanced development of the different intelligences.

  • Buy it here.

8. Multiple Intelligences: Theory in Practice (Howard Gardner)

This brilliant copy is the practical version of his previous works and brings together previously published and original works by Gardner and his colleagues in Project Zero, an educational project belonging to Harvard University and integrated by this author.

It was published 10 years after his initial work “Structures of the Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”, and thousands of educators, parents and researchers have explored the practical implications of the theory of Multiple Intelligences thanks to this text. Undoubtedly, an exquisite proposal to be able to benefit from the educational applications of Gardner’s theory.

  • Buy it through this link.