A picture tells a thousand words . . . or does it?

These diverse puzzles each illustrate a different form of illusion. There’s even a crossword puzzle grid with a hiding place tucked inside. The accompanying captions explain the visual and psychological processes that allow these illusions to work—and make them endlessly compelling.

Each beautiful picture puzzle contains a mystery: hidden or camouflaged figures that play tricks on your eyes. Some may blend into the background. One image may conceal another. Even though our brain tries to pinpoint and focus on the richly detailed designs, it just can’t. And because of their complexity, these illusions fascinate our eyes, stimulate our minds, and expand our imagination.