Kirlian Photography: A Hands-On Guide [Hardcover]

John Iovine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1994

Electrophotography, commonly called Kirlian photography, remains a subject of speculation and controversy almost 150 years after its discovery. While many scientists call it psychic quackery, many maintain that the study of Kirlian photographs can detect illnesses in plants and animals before any outward symptoms materialize. Whatever its validity, Kirlian phenomena fascinates many in the fields of science and art. This book is designed as the first step for anyone interested in Kirlian photography and its potential impact. John Iovine, author of "Homemade Holograms", takes a practical approach, giving readers the hands-on guidance they need to take their own Kirlian photographs. He also examines the history of electrophotography and many of its possible applications in medicine, industry, and the military. Especially illuminating is his discussion of the "phantom leaf" aura that continues to baffle scientists to this day.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 136 pages
• Publisher: Tab Books; 1st edition (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830644563
• ISBN-13: 978-0830644568
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,137,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Guide to Kirlian Photography, February 18, 2001

By 

mfan (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kirlian Photography (Paperback)

This book is _the_ guide for making Kirlian devices and taking Kirlian photographs. I had absolutely no background in Kirlian photography, but by following the instructions, I was able to set up a basic Kirlian device where I shot some amazing pictures, in very little time I might add. The instructions are clear, and the diagrams are simple and straight forward. After experimenting with the first device for a while, I went on to make the book's second, more advanced, device. Again, it was easy to build and use, with some awe-inspiring results.

However, this is not simply just a how-to book. There is also a lot of background information on Kirlian photography, how and why it works, possible future uses, and the medical/biological aspects of Kirlian photographs. After reading through the book, I was left with more than just a few home-made pretty pictures, I was left with the understanding necessary to truly enjoy the magnificent beauty of a glowing aura that is characteristic of Kirlian photography.

It should also be noted that this book also includes a chapter on the infamous "phantom leaf" experiment, which proved to be the most interesting part of the book. It gives a special circuit that can be used to test the theory of the phantom leaf (the theory that, when part of a leaf is cut away before photographing, that part may be seen lightly in the photograph). Quite an amazing bit of bio-technology.