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.

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.

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.

**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? ...

Learn to read minds, conduct hypnosis, and predict the future! Instead of employing visual magic, the tricks in this book help aspiring performers exercise mental powers that seem downright supernatural. A seasoned magician shares his professional secrets throughout 15 psychological illusions, which include magic squares, stacked decks, thought transmissions, and other feints.

"Describes the special unit in World War II known as the U.S. Ghost Army, and how it used fake props and special effects to mislead German forces in several important missions"--

Even as her husband is about to attain undreamed-of power, Ivy Quent fears for her family’s safety. With war looming and turmoil sweeping the nation of Altania, Ivy finds the long-abandoned manor on the moors a temporary haven. But nowhere is really safe from the treachery that threatens all the Quents have risked to achieve. And an even greater peril is stirring deep within the countryside’s beautiful green estates. As Ivy dares an alliance with a brilliant illusionist and a dangerous lord, she races to master her forbidden talents and unravel the terrible truth at the heart of her land’s unrest—even as a triumphant, inhuman darkness rises to claim Altania eternally for its own.