BOOK R EVl EWS

Almost a century has elapsed since the Gestalt psychologists first emphasized the importance of internal organization processes to perception. The work of Gestaltists has had an enormous influence on perceptual psychology; largely through their compelling visual demonstrations which can be found in most textbooks on perception. However, Gestalt concepts such as Pragnanz, isomorphism, wholism, and so on; though commonly invoked, are shrouded in ambiguity and often fraught with difficulties. The present volume was undertaken to evaluate the current status of the Gestalt approach to perception, and to compare it with other approaches currently in vogue, such as those arising from the work of Helmholtz and of Gibson.