Sleights of mind : what the neuroscience of magic reveals about our everyday deceptions (Macknik, Martinez-Conde & Blakeslee)

A fascinating book revealing the properties of cognition that are manipulated so expertly by magicians to make us believe what they wish us to believe.

Learning the tricks only makes them more fascinating. I too have been to the Magic Castle in Los Angeles. I've had tricks explained to me in great, exhausting detail, but nonetheless, still fooled by the very tricks I had just had explained. The skills are amazing. And their understanding of human cognition is astounding.

The first two authors are neuroscientists, using their studies of magic to discover new phenomena to explore scientifically. As is usual, the artists and practitioners discover phenomena long before scientists do. The third author is a gifted science writer: the combination of the three makes for engaging reading.

I consider myself somewhat knowledgeable about magic and extremely expert about human cognition. But I learned a lot from this book.

Highly recommended. Enjoyable reading, while being educational about both magic and cognition.