Description |
224 pages : illustrations, photographs ; 25 cm |
Note(S) |
This book is published in partnership with Wellcome Collection on the occasion of the exhibition "Smoke and Mirrors : The Psychology of Magic", curated by A. R. Hopwood & Honor Beddard, held at Wellcome Collection, London, from 11 April to 15 September 2019. -- Verso. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
Summary |
In 'The Spectacle of Illusion', professional magician-turned experimental psychologist Dr. Matthew L. Tompkins investigates the arts of deception as practiced and popularized by mesmerists, magicians and psychics since the early 18th century. Organized thematically within a broadly chronological trajectory, this compelling book explores how illusions perpetuated by magicians and fraudulent mystics can not only deceive our senses but also teach us about the inner workings of our minds. Indeed, modern scientists are increasingly turning to magic tricks to develop new techniques to examine human perception, memory and belief. Beginning by discussing mesmerism and spiritualism, the book moves on to consider how professional magicians such as John Nevil Maskelyne and Harry Houdini engaged with these movements : particularly how they set out to challenge and debunk paranormal claims. It also relates the interactions between magicians, mystics and scientists over the past 200 years, and reveals how the researchers who attempted to investigate magical and paranormal phenomena were themselves deceived, and what this can teach us about deception. |
Subject(S) |
Magic -- Psychological aspects -- Exhibitions.
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Magic tricks -- Psychological aspects -- Exhibitions.
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Magicians -- History -- Exhibitions.
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Deception.
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Illusion (Philosophy)
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Parapsychology -- History.
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Spiritualism.
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Mesmerism.
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Artists' books.
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Catalogs.
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ISBN |
9781942884378 |
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1942884370 |
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