Peepshow: 1950s Pin-Ups in 3-D
by Charles Melcher, Bunny Yeager (Introduction)

A 3-D celebration of 1950's pin-ups, Peepshow is a book like no other, evoking a glorious American past, a time when the country was brimming with confidence and innocence. Featuring 48 unforgettable 3-D pin-up photos in brilliant color, and designed to slip neatly into your back pocket, it is a titillating way to sneak an illicit peek. With sturdy stereoscopic glasses built into the front cover for easy viewing, Peepshow brings these unforgettable images to 3-D, volumetric life, creating the illusion that you are actually standing within reach of each model. Peepshow is kitschy, fun, nostalgic, and seductive all at once, a truly interactive experience that will keep you turning the pages for more.

Unfortunately, the "mounting" of the stereo images is not always perfect, and there are many violations of the stereo window. Some of the photos are even printed pseudoscopically, which means that the left and right images were exchanged. If you can view stereo images cross-eyed, this should be no problem - but it's a real pity that the publisher did not pay more attention. Otherwise, this book would have received a 5-star rating, as the images themselves are truly superb!

(Info added January 2002)

The Astonishing Stereoscope
by Jane Langton, Erik Blegvad (Illustrator)

Five mysterious cards ...

When Eddy Hall receives five cards for his stereoscope, he and his sister, Eleanor, can't wait to see what exotic places they reveal-maybe Stonehenge, or a centuries-old European cathedral. But instead, when they look through the stereoscope, Eddy and Eleanor see some very strange things. An odd-looking rope hangs from the sky down into every picture. A marmalade-colored cat that looks suspiciously like Herm, the family cat, also appears. And one picture looks like the front hall of their very own house! The images seem to be almost real, not just three-dimensional illusions. All it will take is one little tug on that rope to find out for sure....

This is a lovely children's book for Ages 10 and up. Nicely written, it inspires fantasy. If you are a 3D-enthusiast and would like to wake your children's curiosity about stereoscopy, this is well worth a try.

(Info added January 2002)

Eye and Brain
by Richard L. Gregory

This book discusses the physiological and psychological aspects influencing the functioning of the eye and brain in perception.

This is one of the best popular science books around. It's so well written and interesting that it will delight lay readers as well as its intended student audience.

(Info added July 2002)

Eye, Brain, and Vision
by David H. Hubel

An illustrated account of the nature of vision and of how scientists have discovered what is now known, down to the cellular level, about how the brain processes visual form, colour, depth and movement.

The book features many stories of scientific discoveries in the field.

(Info added July 2002)

Natural History of Vision, A
by Nicholas J. Wade

"An absolutely marvelous and unique history of the psychology, physiology, anatomy, and physics of vision from the earliest times, presented almost entirely in the words and illustrations of the original thinkers." -- Charles G. Gross, Department of Psychology, Princeton University

This illustrated survey covers what Nicholas Wade calls the "observational era of vision," beginning with the Greek philosophers and ending with Wheatstone's description of the stereoscope at the end of the 1830s (after which vision became an experimental science). Although there are other histories of vision, this is the first to present extracts of the works of scholars, organized both topically and chronologically. In what has become the author's signature style, the book juxtaposes verbal and visual descriptions. Many of the over three hundred illustrations are derived from engravings--of portraits of the scholars cited, as well as of scientific diagrams.

Each portrait appears beside a significant quotation by the scholar, along with the dates of birth and death, and the source of the original illustration. The author's commentary provides the context for the quotations and traces the scientific development within each topic. The book is organized around the principal topics within the investigation of visual phenomena: light, color, subjective visual phenomena (such as afterimages and pattern distortions), motion, binocularity, space, and visual illusions.

This is one of the greatest books if you wish to go back to the roots of Vision. Absolutely essential reading when you are want to obtain in-depth knowledge of stereoscopic vision.

Also available as a softcover issue.

(Info added December 2001)

The enchanted islands of the Galápagos come to life in this breathtaking 3-D exploration of one of the most popular ecological travel destinations in the world. Hammerhead sharks, penguins, giant tortoises, dolphins, marine iguanas, and rays are among the amazing variety of creatures presented in up-close stereo photos, on land and underwater, along with stunning shots of the islands' most beautiful landscapes. Sturdy 3-D lenses bound into the front cover, informative captions, a map, and a helpful glossary of terms make Galápagos in 3-D a fun and fascinating look at the islands and wildlife studied by Darwin, taught in schools, and beloved by natural science enthusiasts of all ages.

(Info added December 2001)

Sir Charles Wheatstone Frs 1802-1875 (Iee History of Technology Series, No. 29)
by Brian Bowers

This fascinating biography celebrates the bicentenary of Wheatstone's birth, and draws on information about the family business as well as letters, including correspondence with Cooke and Faraday, which were not available for the first edition. Charles Wheatstone was one of the leading electrical engineers of the mid-nineteenth century, and began his career in the family musical instrument firm where studying the workings of musical instruments gave him a taste for physics. He was responsible for the introduction of the electrical telegraph where his scientific understanding enabled him to turn it into a practical technology. He is also the inventor of the Stereoscope and thus is "responsible" for 3D-photography and all other forms of stereoscopic imaging. This book will be of particular interest to scientists and historians interested in the work of this pioneering engineer.

(Info added November 2002)

Stereo Views; An Illustrated History and Price Guide (2nd Edition)
by John Waldsmith

This is a reference book for the 3D lover. It covers many aspects of collection from a variety of historic stereoviews, to Tru-Vue, to View-Master and so on. There are prices listed, as well as tips about how to grade collectibles. While prices are always debatable, it is still a great reference. With more than 300 photos on a total 336 pages it is also a wonderful book to browse.

A true "must have" book for any stereo collector!

(Info added July 2002)

Be entertained by Magic Eye's Collector's Edition with twelve different 12" x12" amazing images, suitable for framing. Delve into the latest artistic technology from the creative team at Magic Eye Inc.

More great news! Viewing Magic Eye images can IMPROVE YOUR EYESIGHT. Optometrists and vision experts from around for the world report that viewing Magic Eye images is like "aerobics for the eyes"! Challenge your binocular vision by exercising your eyes and imagination with Magic Eye. 

(Info added December 2001)

Transform your living room into a multi-dimensional adventure filled with eye-popping digital effects, live-action thrills, and gravity-defying races. This first of its kind Collector's Edition includes everything you need for the Ultimate 3-D Experience! 3 DVDs plus a complete 3D Home Theater Video Viewing System.

HAUNTED CASTLE:
"...delivers 3D thrills and eye-catching surreal effects" --NY Times "A razzle-dazzle visual feast!" --Hollywood Reporter A young musician is summoned to his mother's castle in accordance with her final wishes. Upon his arrival, Johnny quickly discovers that things are not as they appear. The castle begins to come alive as materializing spirits lead him to Mephisto (voiced by Harry Shearer), the ghoulish henchman to Mr. D (also Harry Shearer), who makes Johnny a tantalizing offer. The same offer that his mother accepted over twenty years earlier: surrender your soul in exchange for fame and fortune. Experience a whirling visual thrill ride as Johnny explores the underworld of the castle to the explosive climax where Johnny confronts Mr. D and fights to free his mother's spirit.

ALIEN ADVENTURE:
Steadfastly moving through the galaxy, a group of aliens head toward planet Earth in hope of establishing a new home for their people. Little do they know, they're in for the ride of their lives when they land in the middle of "Adventure Planet," a new hi-tech amusement park not yet open to the public Join the Glagoliths in this first full-length digitally animated giant-screen 3-D film and become immersed in a succession of eye-popping adventures NOT for the weak of stomach.

ENCOUNTER IN THE THIRD DIMENSION:
Join Stuart Pankin and Elvira Mistress of the Dark on a groundbreaking venture into the realm of 3-D filmmaking, where captivating computer generated imagery mixed with live action thrills abound. Encounter early incarnations of the third dimension, from a recreation of one of the earliest 3-D movies ever made to classic clips from Hollywood's 3-D heyday during the 1950s to modern creations such as James Cameron's theme park attraction, Terminator 2: 3-D. Experience the wildest 3-D adventure ever created for the giant screen!

3-D Home Theater Video Viewing System includes:
2 Pairs of Shutter Glasses
Video Synchronization Box
RCA Video Extension
Power Supply
Instruction Manual with easy plug-and-play instructions

(Info added July 2002)

This video uses the Pulfrich effect for 3D, meaning that with glasses that have one dark lens objects that have backgrounds moving sideways across the screen have the illusion of of 3D. Only some of the scenes use this effect. And although some of the quality is good, a lot of this video is filler with not enough time of the women on the screen.

(Info added July 2002)