Description: Plagiarism and appropriation are hot topics when they appear in the news. A politician copies a section of a speech, a section of music sounds familiar, the plot of a novel follows the same pattern as an older story, a piece of scientific research is attributed to the wrong researcher... The list is endless. Allegations and convictions of such incidents can easily ruin a career and inspire gossip. People report worrying about unconsciously appropriating someone else's work. But why do people plagiarise? How many claims of unconscious plagiarism are truthful? How is plagiarism detected, and what are the outcomes for the perpetrators and victims? Strikingly Similar uncovers the deeper psychology behind this controversial human behavior, as well as a cultural history that is far wider and more interesting than sensationalised news stories.
Brief description: Roger Kreuz is an associate dean and Professor of Psychology at the University of Memphis, USA. He has written several books on language and communication for general audiences and writes a monthly column for Psychology Today. This book was born out of an academic interest in how language use affects a person's identity and the shifting public attitudes regarding the concepts of plagiarism and appropriation, as well as over thirty years as a professor who has had first-hand experience with student plagiarism.
Review Quotes: 'In this book, Kreuz offers a breezy account of actual, suspected, or accidental plagiarism. Featuring examples drawn from literature, music, and politics, Kreuz gives example after example of plagiarism-and some copyright infringements too-by writers who are famous, infamous, or essentially unknown.' Dennis Baron, author of You Can't Always Say What You Want