The early days of modern science were characterised by empiricism, giving rise to the phrase 'seeing is believing'. In recent years, however, a mistrust of the senses has asserted itself. Physical optics has increasingly removed itself from immediate visual experience -- what we see around us -- focusing instead on abstract theories and the measurements of sophisticated instruments. We are left with an impoverished relationship with our world.

Georg Maier has devoted much of his career as a physicist to studying the visual world, and he understands the importance of sensory experience for deepening and enlivening our scientific understanding of nature. In this groundbreaking book, he guides us towards an understanding of visual phenomena based on our experience.

This is a book for anyone interested in the visual world and how we interact with it. It will also be challenging reading for those with a background in conventional physical optics, leading to a richer appreciation of the phenomena and a deepening of knowledge.