Optical Illusions - (Illusion Works) by Al Seckel (Paperback)

About the Book

275 optical illusions are rendered in photography, artwork and computer imaging, and individually explained. The visual illusions illustrated are from both historic and modern sources and the book includes notes about the science of visual perception.

Book Synopsis

This intriguing collection contains more than 275 optical illusions that appear to change before your eyes. Al Seckel carefully selected both well-known images, such as Shepard's tabletop, Wade's spiral, Ames room and Rubin's face/vase, and many lesser-known, but no less effective, illusions.

Every type of optical illusion is here, along with notes about the science of each visual perception and how the illusions work. Among the baffling images and shapes are:

Figure/ground illusions, in which one shape switches into another then back again

Ambiguous figures

Impossible objects

Trompe l'oeil

Stereo illusions.

With illusions rendered in photography, artwork and computer imaging, and a huge variety of themes and effects, Optical Illusions dazzles both the mind and the eye.

Review Quotes

[A] highly entertaining look at how our perceptions can be deceived... includes some handy notes about the science of visual perception, offering explanations about how our eyes truly can deceive us.--Jodi DeLong "Halifax Chronicle Herald" (12/10/2006 12:00:00 AM)

American Library Association Quick Picks for Young Adult Reluctant Readers 2007-- "School Library Journal" (3/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

Optical illusions are pictures that trick the brains interpretation of what you know and what you perceive. Seckel has compiled almost 300 of them in beautiful illustrations as they are intended (some in color others in black and white... There is a good combination of photographs, paintings, and drawings to keep readers interested and many illusionary styles are represented. During the time I was reviewing this book, I had a lot of patron interest.--Rebecca Domin "Youth Services Book Review" (4/18/2007 12:00:00 AM)

Stunning images guaranteed to both befuddle and amaze you. Plus, it explains the science behind the illusion.-- "Calgary Sun" (11/25/2006 12:00:00 AM)

The comprehensive collection of graphic patterns is mind-bending, eye-opening, and highly entertaining.--Reza "20 Best Puzzle Books, Multipotens Blog" (7/10/2017 12:00:00 AM)

The 300-page collection of visual shapes and images has far more than the usual figure illusions found in other books of this nature.--Sara Catherine Howard "Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library" (6/1/2007 12:00:00 AM)

This book offers a comprehensive collection of more than 275 mind-bending images, hidden figures and eye-opening graphic patterns. Explanations ... offer readers insight into how optical illusions are created.-- "The Telegram (St. John's NF)" (8/23/2007 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Formerly at the California Institute of Technology, Al Seckel is a leading authority on visual and other types of sensory illusions. He is the author of 15 books on this subject, including the classic The Great Book of Optical Illusions. He is also well-known for his illusion column in National Geographic Kids magazine.