The spectacle of illusion : magic, the paranormal & the complicity of the mind
Tompkins, Matthew L.2019
Books
In 'The Spectacle of Illusion,' professional magician-turned-psychologist Matthew Tompkins traces the evolution of the arts of magic and illusion from the 18th century onwards. Organized thematically within a broadly chronological trajectory, the book presents the art of witches, magicians, illusionists, hypnotists, mediums and faith healers, and exposes the mechanisms and the fakery behind the claims. After discussing the art of the trick, the power of suggestion and what magic can tell us about memory, belief, bias and perception, the book examines the practices of spiritualism and mesmerism and the misuse of hypnotism and magic tricks to sway belief and fool people. It highlights how gurus, faith healers and mediums have been challenged over the last 200 years by scientists and magicians, and examines some of the scientific investigations into the paranormal.
Main title:
The spectacle of illusion : magic, the paranormal & the complicity of the mind / Matthew L. Tompkins.
Author:
Tompkins, Matthew L., author
Imprint:
London : Thames and Hudson, 2019.
Collation:
224 pages : chiefly illustrations (black and white, and colour) ; 25 cm
Notes:
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN:
9780500022429 (hbk. :)
Language:
English
Subject:
BRN:
2263314
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