A collection of visual illusions with explanations of the science behind them, gathered from the Best Illusions of the Year contest. --

Optical illusions intrigue the mind and delight the eye. Viewers try to perceive the visual shifts in a two-dimensional picture, but can't understand how a single still image can be so animated and rich. While even the simplest illusions please, this stunning volume goes far beyond the usual collection. Compiled by visual graphics expert Brad Honeycutt and puzzle master Terry Stickels--and featuring a foreword by renowned puzzle creator, computer...

From impossible shapes to three-dimensional sketches and trick art, you won't believe your eyes as you learn to draw optical illusions in graphite and colored pencil. Perfect for beginning artists, The Art of Drawing Optical Illusions begins with a basic introduction to optical illusions and how they work. Jonathan Stephen Harris then guides you step-by-step in creating mind-blowing pencil drawings, starting with basic optical illusions and progressing...

Discover the variety of ways our brains can trick us, from optical illusions to magicians' masterful use of misdirection to strategies used by con artists. Learn why you can't always trust your brain, so you'll be less likely to be swindled, hoodwinked, or bamboozled.

"People are fascinated by optical illusions. There is something intrinsically satisfying about static pictures that appear to move, change color, or fool us into seeing things that "aren't really there." This comprehensive survey of optical illusions includes an astonishing range of images from ancient times to the present. Covering illusions of depth, inversions, vibration effects, ambiguous figures, camouflage, anamorphic art, tessellations, and...

"Magic is the art of creating impossible effects that violate our expectations, games that conclude with the apparent transgression of natural law. As spectators, we find magic tricks-and the state of true cognitive dissonance that they create-tremendously provocative. Why is our brain caught by surprise? The human brain is a very advanced organ, its capacities highly adapted to our environment and lifestyle. But its capacities are not unlimited....