Experiencing the Impossible

Experiencing the Impossible is a cogently argued, persuasive and often enthralling account of the pleasures he experienced while researching what he calls “one of the most captivating and enduring forms of entertainment.”

A fascinating foray into the subtle mechanics of creating wonder.

Research suggests that even when the audience knows how a magic trick works, it still has the power to amaze and intrigue, much like this book did for me. I recommend it to the curious.

An engaging and accessible read focusing on an unusual, yet surprisingly interesting connection, the one between magic and cognitive sciences.

With Experiencing the Impossible, Kuhn manages to both contextualize the experience of wonder, while also taking an in-depth look at the scientific principles at work within our confused brains as we try to make sense of the inexplicable.

An engaging and informative work.

Gustav Kuhn is Reader in Psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, and a member of the Magic Circle.