The Art of Immersion

Studies in immersive experiences

Mr. Rose's extremely well-researched and well-written, compelling book about old and new media -- and the history and future of what he aptly calls "storytelling" -- is, quite simply, a tour de force that defines a new era that is emerging around us. It begins with a brilliant prologue that propels you into the fast-paced, smart, insightful, and often clever narrative. "The Art of Immersion" -- the ways in which audiences have been able to become more and more immersed in the stories created by different forms of media, and increasingly reshape them in the process -- is a must-read for anyone interested in modern consciousness and how media and their audiences relate to and re-form one another via social networks and other technologies, ultimately leading to an entirely new mode of storytelling. Mr. Rose's landscape is vast, but carefully, understandably, and thoughtfully painted; it includes Aristotle, Renaissance artists and thinkers, novelists DeFoe and Dickens, Japanese and homegrown video games, TV shows ranging from "I Love Lucy" to "Mad Men," movies (his discussion with director James Cameron about "Avatar" is one of many highlights), and other forms of pop culture. The book is grounded in scores of interviews with many of the most creative media thinkers, producers and observers in the world.

Must read for anyone who is interested in digital and storytelling - to my mind that's pretty much anyone who is breathing.

This is a great book, full of insights on the entertainment industry, and the mind set of the people behind its evolution.For me, the only downside is that at times the anecdotes obscure the lessons and questions the author is trying to pose.

A very deep and intelligent read. Although maybe not for one session all at once. Can pull information form nearly any page.