‘I’ve long wished that there was a book that explained the art of magic from the point of view of cognitive neuroscience. Magic is a goldmine of information about the brain, as well as a source of fascination to laypeople. This is the book we’ve all been waiting for.’ Steven Pinker, author of The Stuff of Thought

‘Magic is the place where our senses and beliefs fail us in magnificent ways. This exciting book explores what magic and illusions can teach us about our fallible human nature – coming up with novel and fascinating observations.’ Dan Ariely, author of Predictability Irrational

‘Sleights of Mind gives non-magicians a real up-close look at the true secrets of magic … They reveal the real knowledge jealously guarded by all great performers … I know [my fellow magicians] are all going to be as jazzed as I am to read about how sophisticated magical techniques and state-of-the-art brain science combine.’ Mac King, headliner, Harrah’s Las Vegas

‘Determined to explore those places where neuroscience intersects the mysterious and the magical, from visual illusions to Vegas card tricks, Steve and Susana are two of the most innovative scientists I know. This book doesn’t just change the way you think about sleight of hand and David Copperfield – it will also change the way you think about the mind.’ Jonah Lehrer, author of How We Decide and Proust Was A Neuroscientist

‘This is a highly original book. Science and magic have much in common. They both take seemingly inexplicable events and provide elegantly simple answers that enthral the observer. The authors have done an admirable job in exploring this idea and also suggest ways in which the two disciplines can cross fertilize each other.’ VS Ramachandran, author of Phantoms in the Brain

‘Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde persistently remind us that the human mind is a bad data-taking device. And it’s this fact that enables the science of magic to exist at all.’ Neil deGrasse Tyson, author of The Pluto Files

‘Every professional magician will tell you that any great magic trick is based 90 percent on psychology. This groundbreaking book explores the convergence of magic and neuroscience and educates the reader in seemingly unrelated subjects in a way that is educational and entertaining!’ Lance Burton, magician

‘A terrific read. Combining science and magic is not an easy trick, but the authors have done a brilliant job of putting a mirror up to ourselves and our psyches. I loved it.’ Joe Navarro, author of What Every Body is Saying