Art Of Optical Illusions [Paperback]

Al Seckel (Author)

Book Description

Series: Illusion Works | Publication Date: September 1, 2000

Optical illusions have fascinated the human mind for centuries. Bu defying common perception and the working of the eye with stuble, mind-teasing images, optical illusions are presented in both color and black and white.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Al Seckel, formerly of the California Institute of Technology, is a leading authority on visual and other types of sensory illusions. His earlier work, "The Great Book of Optical Illusions" garnered rave reviews, and sold nearly 100,000 copies. He is the author of over 15 books on this subject, and has lectured extensively at many of the world's most prestigious universities. He also designs interactive galleries on illusions and perception for science museums across the country and around the world. Seckel writes an illusion column for "National Geographic Kids" magazine.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Carlton Books; 1 edition (September 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842220543
• ISBN-13: 978-1842220542
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,539,813 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye candy for the imagination!, November 3, 2000

By 

Lee Mellott "Skin Care For Wrinkles" (Frederick, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Art Of Optical Illusions (Paperback)

Its not often you find a book that challenges the intellect, is fun to read, yet appeals to many age groups. Al Seckel has accomplished this demanding task with his book "The Art of Optical Illusions". Seckel presents the illusions as if you were touring an art gallery. He acts as a guide who lets you explore the visuals freely yet helps you understand them with succinct explanations if needed. Seckel does this by dividing his book into 4 gallerys. Each gallery includes a number of illusions, one per page. At the end of each gallery there are notes that help further explain the visual. You are able to enjoy and explore the illusions and reference the notes if you wish to know more. The illusions range from the simple to the more sophisticated. Each illusion is beautifully rendered thus enhancing its effects. I was delighted to find an old favorite,"the floating finger" and fascinated by many I had never seen including "gesture of a dancer"! Approximately 150 illusions are included, some in black and white others in color. The book is in large paperback format making it reader friendly. The quality of the pages, texture and thickness enhance the pleasure of discovering each illusion. This is a book that will stimulate creativity and provide hours of pleasure for young and old alike! A nice coffee table book that will be used!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fine book on perceptual illusions, November 12, 2000

By 

D. Roberts "Hadrian12" (Battle Creek, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Art Of Optical Illusions (Paperback)

Professor Al Seckel of Caltech has put together an excellent book of many delightful illusions. The book contains both photographs as well as drawings, paintings, collages & sketches. Virtually all of them will trick your eyes the first time you see them.

A very nice feature of the book is that it also includes scientific & pyschological explanations for how & why our minds interpret various geometrical drawings as having dimensions that are not possible under the laws of physics in our universe. There are many others which show either 2 faces in one or 2 objects in one. It is fun to recognize one of them right away, then search diligently for the other one; it will appear if you give it time.

As advertised, this is a wonderful book for people of all ages. It is a delightful book to show to pre-schoolers and adults alike. It would also be of particular interest to graduate students in pyschology, physics and philosophy. Some of my favorites are the chessboard illusions as well as #5, #54, #69, #71, #78 & #104. I would recommend that you buy your own copy of this delightful book so that you may pick out your own favorites!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Reality of Illusion, October 23, 2000

By 

Jerry Downs (Boulder, CO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Of Optical Illusions (Paperback)

It is a great compliment to me to be one of the of artists who appear in this fine book. (Illustrations 11 & 26) Since I currently own nearly every book on optical illusions ever published, I am happy to be part of a book that illustrates the artistic aspect of a field that is usually treated as a scientific curiousity. The eye is blind to what the mind can't see. This book helps give the viewer the experience that the visual world is a personal creation. The way we see the world is the way we see ourselves. This book celebrates the visual world and our own self discovery.