Friedhoffer, Bob. Magic and Perception: The Art and Science of Fooling the Senses. 1996. 109p. index. illus. Watts, lib. ea., $18.95 (0-531-11254-3). DDC: 793.8.Gr. 5-7. Friedhoffer, the author of Magic Tricks, Science Facts (1990), not only shows and tells how to perform magic tricks, he discusses how magicians are able to alter an audience's perceptions of what is taking place. Many clear line drawings and a few not-so-clear photographs illustrate the text. Students of magic may choose this book because of the author's thorough, practical approach to learning new tricks, but they'll also come away with a better overall understanding of the human senses and the physical and mental foibles that make illusions convincing. Appended resource lists include books, equipment suppliers, magazines, and organizations for magicians. A unique take on a popular topic.

Carolyn Phelan