Ebook - The Science Behind the Ghost by Jim Steinmeyer
Description & Effect
Unveiling The Science Behind The Ghost
Jim Steinmeyer's 'The Science Behind the Ghost' offers an unparalleled journey into one of Victorian entertainment's most captivating illusions: Pepper's Ghost. This remarkable invention allowed spectral figures to seamlessly share the stage with live actors, creating an ethereal spectacle that amazed audiences. This new, beautifully presented edition combines Steinmeyer's insightful lectures, 'The Science Behind the Ghost' and 'Discovering Invisibility,' into a single, definitive volume, highly sought-after in its now out-of-print editions.
A Comprehensive History of Illusion
Dive deep into the complete history of Pepper's Ghost, from its groundbreaking emergence in the 1860s through its intricate evolution. Steinmeyer, a master illusion designer, meticulously details the principles, showcasing the genius behind this incredible 19th-century innovation. The book is rich with visual aids, including detailed diagrams, precise calculations for sightlines, original patent drawings, and rare historical photographs, providing an exhaustive look at its construction and performance. Discover the various adaptations and the technical breakthroughs that cemented its place in theatrical history.
From Victorian Stages to Modern Spectacles
Far from being a relic of the past, Pepper's Ghost continues to inspire and evolve. This book meticulously tracks its development from its historical roots to its most cutting-edge contemporary applications. Learn how its principles are harnessed in today's entertainment landscape, from creating lifelike 'holograms' on modern concert stages, such as the unforgettable appearance of Tupac at the 2012 Coachella Music Festival, to crafting magical special projection effects in Disney theme parks and elaborate stage productions worldwide. Steinmeyer clarifies how these foundational concepts are still critical for illusionists and technologists alike.
The Art of Invisibility
As an added treasure, this edition incorporates 'Discovering Invisibility,' an exploration of the fascinating evolution of silvered mirror illusions. This section delves into the secrets employed by history's greatest magicians, revealing the ingenious methods used to make objects, and even people, vanish before an audience's eyes. Together, these lectures form a complete narrative on the art and science of theatrical deception, offering invaluable insights for enthusiasts, historians, and practitioners of illusion across 189 pages.
Original Specs
Pepper’s Ghost was the remarkable Victorian invention which allowed three-dimensional ghosts to walk onstage with actors. A beautiful new edition of “Two Lectures on Theatrical Illusion,” Jim’s book combines his lectures, “The Science Behind the Ghost” and “Discovering Invisibility.” The book is the only complete history of Pepper’s Ghost, containing the full evolution of this incredible 19th Century invention, diagrams, variation, calculations of sightlines, patent drawings, and photographs. It details the developments from the 1860s to the latest uses of Pepper’s Ghost in Disney theme parks and modern concerts and stage shows. Today, Pepper’s Ghost is used to create “holograms” onstage and to create special projection effects, like the appearance of Tupac at the Coachella Music Festival in 2012. This book (highy sought-after in the now out-of-print editions) explains the important principles as used by a wide variety of inventors and performers. Included is “Discovering Invisibility,” the evolution of silvered mirror illusions, as used by the great magicians. 189 pages
