Virtual Realism
Michael Heim(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 5. February 1998
Book
Hardback
253 pages
978-0-19-510426-4 (ISBN)
Description
"Virtual Realism" is an art form and a way of living with technology. To explain it, Michael Heim draws on a hypertext of topics, from answering machines to interactive art, from engineering to television programs, from the meaning of UFOs to the Internet. The technology of virtual reality brought a new dimension to culture with its virtual offices and cyberspace friendships - but few agree on its merits. Opinions range from the Unabomber's Luddite activism to Wired's cyberpunk attitude to Bill Gate's commercial optimism. This text guides readers through the debate and suggests ways of harmonizing computers with culture, The book begins with the primer "VR 101". The issues are discussed, then several chapters illustrate virtual realism with tours through art exhibits and engineering projects. Each chapter suggests a harmony of technology with lifestyle. Michael Heim is the author of the award-winning "The Metaphysics of Virtual Reality" (OUP, 1993) and the ground-breaking "Electric Language" (1987). In this book, the author shares the discoveries he made over several years in the studios of VR designers. It is intended for the general reader.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Illustrations
8pp colour plates, 6 halftones, 5 line figures, bibliography, index
ISBN-13
978-0-19-510426-4 (9780195104264)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Content
VR 101; virtual realism; the art of virtual reality; interactive design: tunnel or spiral?; infoEcology; nature and cyberspace; AWS and UFOs; notes on artists and art works; vocabulary of virtual realism; bibliography for further reading. The technology of virtual reality brought a new dimension to culture with its virtual offices and cyberspace friendships - but few agree on its merits.