The Spectacle of Illusion

This engaging work by Dr. Matthew L. Tompkins explores the history of deception through mesmerism, magic, and psychics, revealing insights into human perception and the psychology behind illusions.

In The Spectacle of Illusion, Dr. Matthew L. Tompkins, a professional magician turned experimental psychologist, delves into the fascinating world of deception as practiced by mesmerists, magicians, and psychics since the early 18th century. This engaging work is organized thematically along a broadly chronological path, exploring how the illusions created by these performers not only deceive our senses but also illuminate the complexities of our minds. As modern scientists increasingly turn to magic to better understand human perception, memory, and belief, Tompkins reveals the significant connections between the art of magic and psychological research.

The book begins with an exploration of mesmerism and spiritualism, before transitioning to the contributions of renowned magicians like John Nevil Maskelyne and Harry Houdini. These figures not only engaged with these movements but also sought to challenge and debunk various paranormal claims. Tompkins highlights the interactions among magicians, mystics, and scientists over the past two centuries, illustrating how even researchers attempting to investigate magical phenomena have fallen victim to deception, thereby providing insights into the nature of trickery itself.

Richly illustrated with captivating images, including double-exposure spirit photographs and peculiar drawings, The Spectacle of Illusion draws from previously inaccessible archives such as the Wellcome Collection and the Magic Circle's private collection. The book concludes with a contemporary analysis of the science behind magic and illusion, examining intriguing phenomena like ideomotor action and the psychology of misdirection. Ultimately, Tompkins emphasizes the unreliability of our minds and the role they play in sustaining illusions, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of magic and psychology.