Rating: 
Summary: The Reality of Illusion
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Eye candy for the imagination!
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Good!
Review: Nicely done. I am happy with the purchase. However, I expected more elaboration on theory behind the ilusions.
Rating:
Summary: 1st Place winner by American Library Association
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A fine book on perceptual illusions
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: A fine book on perceptual illusions
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: The very best
Review: The award for "Best Book for Young Adults" was an understatement. My boys could not put it down! And their friends come over and get totally absorbed in it too! I watched all of them crowd around this book and discuss each image endlessly. Finally, something tore them away from playstation! Thank you Al!
Rating:
Summary: The very best
Review: The award for "Best Book for Young Adults" was an understatement. My boys could not put it down! And their friends come over and get totally absorbed in it too! I watched all of them crowd around this book and discuss each image endlessly. Finally, something tore them away from playstation! Thank you Al!
Rating:
Summary: The very best
Review: The award for "Best Book for Young Adults" was an understatement. My boys could not put it down! And their friends come over and get totally absorbed in it too! I watched all of them crowd around this book and discuss each image endlessly. Finally, something tore them away from playstation! Thank you Al!
Rating:
Summary: The best book ever on optical illusions
Review: This comprehensive book is a must for anyone who loves optical illusions. Seckel has included the classics as well as many intriguing ones I had never seen before. The book is very professionally produced, with glossy, colorful pages, and a holographic-type cover. Buy it--you won't be disappointed.
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