Optical Illusions : The Science of Visual Perception

Al Seckel
Optical Illusions : The Science of Visual Perception
Optical Illusions : The Science of Visual Perception

Optical Illusions : The Science of Visual Perception
ISBN: 9781554071517
Publication Date: 1 March 2013

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.

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.

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.