SuperVisions: Topsy-Turvy Optical Illusions

by Al Seckel

Presenting the largest, most incredible collection of topsy-turvy optical illusions ever created, with a stunning mix of classics and previously unpublished designs! Topsy-turvys all contain two different images in one picture—you just have to look carefully to see them both. “Vanishing Rabbit,” for example, is pure one moment the bunny’s in the magician’s hat, and the next, it’s gone, leaving just the conjurer. Are those ladies in the “Bearded Girls” illusion? Turn the page upside down and check again—now they’ve turned into bearded men. “Courtship and Matrimony,” a nineteenth-century satirical card, gives a before and after view of marriage. The variety of art styles ranges from cartoon to classical, and every illustration has a fun surprise.

Al Seckel is the author of Masters of Deception, as well as several other award-winning collections. A professor at Cal Tech, he’s the world’s leading authority on visual and other types of sensory illusions.

Genres: Art

96 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2006

Reviews

[Bo]

My grandchildren and I had fun reading this book together. Some of the optical illusions were tricky to figure out; there were some that were quite similar to each other, so slightly repetitive; and one that was inappropriate. But, overall an enjoyable book. We had a lot of laughs, and also came away with admiration for some of the artists and their ability to create these optical illusions. It was also interesting to see when some of these originated.

[Andrew]

Wait till you see the topsy-turvy of Mussolini.

[Miss Kelly]

Did you know back in the sixteenth century topsy-turvy illusion were used to conceal messages, like a code? This is a fun book full of amazing illusions. Great book for all ages - will help clear away the cob-webs and stretch you brain.