Illusion in Cultural Practice: Productive Deceptions

This book explores illusionism as a broader phenomenon than optical illusions, magic shows, or special effects, examining its role in perceiving, processing, and shaping the world. It discusses various cultural practices characterized by illusionism and proposes a new approach to illusion through media theory. The book covers a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, perception and cognitive theory, performance magic, occultism, optics, physiology, early cinema, cartomancy, spiritualism, architecture, shamanic rituals, and theoretical physics. It offers detailed analyses of illusions in performance and ritual magic, philosophy, art history, psychology, and other established fields, as well as a first approach to studying illusions outside of these areas. The multidisciplinary and comprehensive volume appeals to scholars and students interested in media and culture, theatre and performance, philosophy, sociology, politics, and religion.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 206 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the realm of illusionism, expanding its scope beyond mere optical illusions, magic shows, or special effects to encompass a vital aspect of our perception, processing, and shaping of the world we inhabit. It explores illusionism as a multifaceted phenomenon that permeates various cultural practices, offering a fresh perspective on illusion through the lens of media theory.

The book addresses a diverse range of disciplines through the lens of illusionism, each chapter examining a specific type of illusionistic practice within a particular context. These contexts include philosophy, perception and cognitive theory, performance magic, occultism, optics, physiology, early cinema, cartomancy, spiritualism, architecture, shamanic rituals, and theoretical physics. The book provides in-depth analyses of illusions across these fields, offering a novel approach to studying illusions beyond the confines of established disciplines.

Furthermore, the book identifies and analyzes a broader spectrum of illusions within the humanities, broadening the scope of its exploration. It offers valuable insights for scholars and students interested in media and culture, theatre and performance, philosophy, sociology, politics, and religion. By multidisciplinary and comprehensive, this volume appeals to a wide audience seeking to deepen their understanding of the intricate interplay between illusion and reality.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032036311