Experiencing The Impossible (The Science Of Magic) by Gustav Kuhn

Experiencing the Impossible is a cogently argued, persuasive and often enthralling account of the pleasures he experienced while researching what he calls "one of the most captivating and enduring forms of entertainment."

―Times Higher Education

A fascinating foray into the subtle mechanics of creating wonder.

―Nature

Research suggests that even when the audience knows how a magic trick works, it still has the power to amaze and intrigue, much like this book did for me. I recommend it to the curious.

―Chemistry World

An engaging and accessible read focusing on an unusual, yet surprisingly interesting connection, the one between magic and cognitive sciences.

―Perception

With Experiencing the Impossible, Kuhn manages to both contextualize the experience of wonder, while also taking an in-depth look at the scientific principles at work within our confused brains as we try to make sense of the inexplicable.

―Spectrum Culture

"Whether you are someone who is captivated by magic tricks or not, if you care about the human mind, you'll like Experiencing the Impossible. Psychologist Gustav Kuhn takes us on a fascinating trip around the mysterious world of deception and illusion. This book is a wonderful journey that teaches us much about the science behind the experience of magic."

―Elisabeth Loftus, Distinguished Professor, University of California, Irvine, and author of Eyewitness Testimony

"In Experiencing the Impossible, Gustav Kuhn breaks new ground at the intersection of magic and science. An engrossing read that is engaging and not overly technical, this book will deepen your appreciation for magic and those who perform it."

―Joshua Jay, magician; author of Magic: The Complete Course

"The evolution of illusionism in the twenty-first century is transforming the art of magic into a social and cultural element and an object of study used in many environments far beyond show business. The contribution of this book, written with passion and competence by the psychologist-magician Gustav Kuhn, deepens the ability of illusion to reveal how mind works, adding a powerful and important contribution to the development of magic."

―Domenico Dante, International President, Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques

"Previous attempts to scientifically examine the principles of conjuring have all suffered from a shallow understanding of science, magic, or both. But here, for the first time, a researcher with deep knowledge of both science and magic shares his findings with the world. Within twenty pages, I, a professional conjurer, felt that my grasp of my own field became noticeably richer."

―Tom Stone, magician; author of Vortex and Maelstro