The Illusionist Brain
The Neuroscience of Magic
Luis M Martínez author Jordi Camí author
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Princeton University Press
Published:7th Jun '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£16.99(9780691264325)
This book explores how magicians manipulate our cognitive processes, revealing the fascinating interplay between magic and neuroscience in The Illusionist Brain.
How do magicians create the illusion of the impossible? The Illusionist Brain invites readers on an enlightening journey into the complexities of the human mind, unveiling the techniques magicians use to manipulate our cognitive processes. This engaging book merges the art of magic with modern neuroscience, providing insights into how our brains construct reality and how illusionists exploit these mechanisms to astonish and captivate us.
Our perception of reality is shaped by the information we gather from our senses and memories. The authors, Jordi Camí and Luis Martínez, illustrate how our brains often fill in gaps, leading us to believe in a seamless experience. While this cognitive strategy is beneficial for survival, it also presents vulnerabilities that magicians adeptly navigate. The Illusionist Brain delves into the ways illusionists guide our attention, allowing them to create moments of surprise and wonder by making us look without truly seeing.
By integrating the latest neuroscience research, The Illusionist Brain reveals the intricate relationship between magic and the mind. It demonstrates how illusionists can “hack” our brains, altering our perceptions and influencing our imaginations. This book is not just about magic; it is a fascinating exploration of how our minds work, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology and entertainment.
"In The Illusionist Brain, Jordi Camí and Luis Martínez elucidate the ways the two disciplines [psychological science and stage magic] can illuminate each other."---Matthew Hutson, Wall Street Journal
"This exploration of neuroscience through the lens of magic will appeal to science-oriented readers, as it is first and foremost a deep dive into how the brain processes information. It’s also sure to find an audience in anyone who has ever witnessed a magic trick and wondered how the heck it works."---Ragan O'Malley, Library Journal
"[A] tantalizing study."---Andrew Robinson, Nature
"Cami and Martinez act like Morpheus, explaining in simple terms, and with compelling examples, the intricate workings of the matrix in our brain. In their book, magic acts as a trigger to learn neuroscience principles that are presented through a fascinating and refreshing viewpoint, and that should also be interesting to the lay reader not acquainted with the sorcerers’ guild."---Rodrigo Quian Quiroga, Current Biology
"Thanks to this book, readers may arrive at a deeper understanding of daily experience through the intersection of neuroscience and the magical arts. The next time thisreader fi nds himself baffled by a magic trick, reflecting on which cognitive processes were hijacked will be thrilling."---J. E. Perez, Choice Reviews
ISBN: 9780691208442
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
248 pages