The Mystery, Science and Art of Shadows

How is our experience of the world shaped by shadows and their collaboration with light? This vivid, extensively illustrated book uncovers the hidden lives of shadows, beginning by showing how these dark areas have become the basis of different meanings, myths, metaphors, cultural beliefs, and stories, and then describing the physical principles responsible for the many shapes, sizes and types of shadows. The practical significance of shadows is then revealed by showing how they influence our everyday perception of objects and scenes and have been used to study the moon and planets, while creating natural environments that are essential for the survival of plants, animals and humans. The book climaxes with richly illustrated descriptions of the creation and experience of shadows in painting, photography, film and architectural environments. Engaging and endlessly surprising, this book will deepen your appreciation of shadows and change the way you perceive the world around you.