Federico Sanchez’s interest in the brain began--primarily related to artificial intelligence and computers--while studying mechanical engineering at Tufts University in the early 70’s. For the next three decades he studied the human brain sporadically as an ongoing hobby. But, after the death of his younger son by suicide in 2002, using the latest research on the brain, he committed to explain not only how suicide is possible but how most other mental disorders come about. He synthesized his findings in The Master Illusionist, Principles of Neuropsychology a groundbreaking study on the inner workings of the human brain from an engineering perspective. This is a new paradigm-setting study, which brings understanding to how our behavior, perception, cognition, feelings and thoughts are generated and are interrelated. The book focuses on the neurological connections between various structures of the brain and proposes the cortex, the most noticeable evolutionary feature that distinguishes us from other mammals, is many expanded memory systems. The challenge becomes how to explain everything the human brain does based on these memory systems. The interactions between these memory systems with each other and with the thalamus and basal ganglia is explained and a new perspective of who we are opens up new revolutionary possibilities for psychotherapy and pharmacology for mental disorders or other mental deficits. The book devotes chapters to subjects such as the motor and visual systems, smell, memory, synesthesia, the generation and regulation of emotions, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental disorders, suicide and personality disorders.

Rings of seahorses seem to rotate and butterflies seems to transform into warriors right on the page. Astonishing creations of visual trickery by masters of the art, such as Escher, Dali, and Archimbolo make this breathtaking collection the definitive book of optical illusions. Includes an illuminating Foreword by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hofstadter.

This biography of famed magician and illusionist Harry Houdini explores how he carried out his amazing feats and exposes the secrets behind many of Houdini's tricks. The author cites Houdini's brilliance, physical dexterity, and wild imagination as factors that made him a true master of illusion. Photos.

**Winner of the 2014 Global Ebook Awards Silver Medal for Historical Literature Fiction (Modern)** Murder, Magic, Music and Obsession ... Master of Illusion follows the lives of childhood comrades, Angel and Elise, as they run hand in hand from a history of treachery, heartache and crippling abuse. Under the mask of exceptional talent and in the name of justice, they each grapple with their own damaged version of love and loyalty, while fiercely protecting their terrible secrets. Set in the operatic era of 19th century France, talented dancer, Elise, is discovered by the eminent Opéra Français and is whisked away from a simple life to fulfil her dreams of becoming prima ballerina. Her path is forever changed the day she rescues the disfigured, amnesic, genius—Angel—from a life of abandonment and mistreatment. Angel's obsessions define him: his emulation of the Phantom of the Opera coupled with a latent dark side, develop into a fervent passion for a young soprano. Cast under Angel's charming spell, Elise assumes the role of his protector and nurturer—only to discover that she, too, wields powers of her own: persuasion and contrivance. In trying to reach the pinnacle of operatic success, Angel and Elise are faced with the challenge of defining justice, love and self acceptance. Through abandonment, Angel knows only one form of love—obsession; and Elise, whose purity lies in ruins at the hands of evil, is raped of her capacity for romantic love. Can they fulfil their childhood dreams without blood on their hands? ...

How magicians exploit the natural functioning of our brains to astonish and amaze us How do magicians make us see the impossible? The Illusionist Brain takes you on an unforgettable journey through the inner workings of the human mind, revealing how magicians achieve their spectacular and seemingly impossible effects by interfering with your cognitive processes. Along the way, this lively and informative book provides a guided tour of modern neuroscience, using magic as a lens for understanding the unconscious and automatic functioning of our brains. We construct reality from the information stored in our memories and received through our senses, and our brains are remarkably adept at tricking us into believing that our experience is continuous. In fact, our minds create our perception of reality by elaborating meanings and continuities from incomplete information, and while this strategy carries clear benefits for survival, it comes with blind spots that magicians know how to exploit. Jordi Camí and Luis Martínez explore the many different ways illusionists manipulate our attention—making us look but not see—and take advantage of our individual predispositions and fragile memories. The Illusionist Brain draws on the latest findings in neuroscience to explain how magic deceives us, surprises us, and amazes us, and demonstrates how illusionists skillfully “hack” our brains to alter how we perceive things and influence what we imagine.

Set during one of the richest, most vibrant eras in American history, this Jazz Age novel tracks Houdini's assistant in a world of misdirection, suspense, and forgotten pasts to remind us that not all illusions happen on the stage. Wren Lockhart, apprentice to master illusionist Harry Houdini, uses life on a vaudeville stage to escape the pain of her past. She continues her career of illusion after her mentor's death, intent on burying her true identity. But when a rival performer's act goes tragically wrong, the newly formed FBI calls on Wren to speak the truth--and reveal her real name to the world. She transfers her skills for misdirection from the stage to the back halls of vaudeville, as she finds herself the unlikely partner in the FBI's investigation. All the while Houdini's words echo in her mind: Whatever occurs, the crowd must believe it's what you meant to happen. She knows that if anyone digs too deep, secrets long kept hidden may find their way to the surface--and shatter her carefully controlled world. Historical fiction with a dash of suspense Stand-alone novel Book length: 99,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

When you need to mislead the enemy, who are you going to call? The Ghost Army of course During World War II this top secret group of artists and special effects experts worked to deceive German forces on the front lines. Using fake combat vehicles and artillery, dummies dressed as soldiers, and broadcasting the sounds of troops and equipment, the Ghost Army often tricked the Germans into believing U.S. forces were about to attack in one place while the real troops moved against another target. Learn all about these master illustionists' efforts to trick the Nazis and help win the war.

Have you always wondered how to be an illusionist? Do you wish to perform on a large stage for thousands of people? Maybe you are a working magician specializing in close up or stage magic and are looking to put together a bigger show for a special event? "How to be an Illusionist" is a first-of-its kind introductory reference guide on performing a modern illusion show in today's entertainment & pop culture market. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn step by step how to put an illusion show together, regardless of whether you perform illusions for fun, as a hobby, part-time or professionally. You will receive a goldmine of information that will empower you with practical knowledge to take on the world of grand illusions; including a primer on over 100 well-known illusions performed today with credits. The reference guide consists of 10 modules of information that is worth thousands of dollars' to the performing illusionist and has taken years of experience to learn and develop. It features over 80 full-colour photographs of a dozen international illusionists in performance including David DaVinci (USA), David & Abi Haines (USA), Kyle Knight & Mistie (USA), Miguel Gavilan (Spain), Hector Ruiz (Spain), Remy Savary (France), Adeline Ng (Singapore), Daniel Ka (Spain), Sam Powers (Australia), Jason Bishop (USA), Jay Mattioli (USA) and Sean Alexander (U.K.)."

If Gangstalking destroys the lives of millions why is it allowed to exist? As a tool of the elite, using other worldly entities, mind control and technology, it protects the illusion controlled by the Master Builder's and allows the Serpent in everybody's subconscious to control them by concepts and impressions, a necessary device linked to corporate profits as well as the maintenance of the illusion. The original instigators of civilization still oversee and control the evolution of illusion down here on earth. This book answers the many questions, both spiritual and practical, as to the irrational activity of Gangstalking. It details the concealed reality which co-exists, underlies, monitors and controls this one.A reality of psychic possession, shape-shifting, daimons. Energies devoted to impeding the emergence of mankind's true Glory for the sake of maintaining control of the illusion. You may not like everything that you read in this book but you after you have read it you will be in no doubt that it is time to awaken to long hidden truths about how the world works and not who but WHAT controls it and why. *Contains inside and on back cover, photographs of shape-shifting/demonic materialization's linked to gangstalking and gangstalkers themselves. Chapters include:- 1) Who is behind this? 2) The possessed seeking to possess others 3) Freemasonry is the church of the Serpent 3) Recognizing the energy that isn't you; re-claiming the lost vision! 4) Understanding the evolution of psychic possession 5) Incarnation of the soul and the soulless 6) The Serpent in the garden 7) The beatific state without the Serpent 8) Why the Master Builders suppress the beatific state for the propagation of illusion 9) The usurpation of individuality and empowerment leaves us slaves to the Master Builders illusion 10) Asset management and the order of the Knights of Malta 11) The Serpents control depends upon lack of love, putting out the human nodes of light 12) Mind control the suckers 13) Brutalizing the awakened, the Serpents only threat 14) Why Gangstalkers steal the jewels of the solar plexus chakra and Chi 15) Why the electronic mind control of society is necessary 16) Generated fracas, keeping communities mediocre by artificial intelligence, gangstalking and technological thugs 17) Tech to achieve take over: by their fruits ye shall know them 18) Unlimited personal power is counteracted 19) Energetic beings made real and formed from your body 20) Technology for the supplantation: hybrid cyborg slaves 21) Targeted individuals and gangstalking 22) Taking our power back from the Master Builders: the dawning of a new kingdom 23) Fallen Angels

Finally back in print, the complete Blackstone story and the history of magic from the 1920s to today. This much in-demand classic gift book contains over 250 photos & drawings exploring the complete Blackstone story and a vivid and varied appreciation of the history, science, and art of illusion and magic from ancient Egypt to vaudeville to Broadway, Las Vegas, and television. It contains 20 classic magic routines in detailed execution. Traces the history of magic, describes the acts of prominent magicians, and demonstrates some basic cup, card, and coin tricks.