Light Fantastic

Max Keller is a master of stage lighting whose visionary work in theatre and live entertainment has set new standards. His unique ability to combine scientific precision with artistic imagination has made him one of the defining figures in his field. In this richly illustrated and extensively updated volume, Keller reveals the secrets of brilliant lighting design. He explores both the technical foundations and the creative power of his art in clear, compelling language that speaks equally to professionals, students and theatre enthusiasts. For lighting designers, LIGHT FANTASTIC is an indispensable reference and an enduring source of inspiration; for theatre enthusiasts, it offers a fascinating insight into the power of light to shape our perception, moods and emotions on stage. The 2026 edition has been completely revised, expanded with numerous new chapters to 486 pages, and illustrated with more than 940 photographs, illustrations and sketches. Extensive new material on theatre, opera, concert, event and architectural lighting, light art, open-air productions and television shows, as well as on the creative and technological developments shaping lighting design internationally, makes this by far the most comprehensive and significant edition in the history of LIGHT FANTASTIC. The book is further enriched by contributions from 20 renowned experts in the international lighting and entertainment industry, bringing their experience, expertise, and diverse perspectives to this edition. The 2026 Digital Edition For the first time, LIGHT FANTASTIC is also available as an e-book, produced in EPUB 3 Fixed Layout and specifically designed for two-page spread viewing. This carefully considered digital presentation preserves the book's sophisticated design, its images spanning facing pages, and the close interplay between text and imagery as faithfully as possible to the original printed edition. Across 112 chapters, the digital edition brings the full richness of Max Keller's work to the screen, retaining the distinctive visual character and editorial depth that make LIGHT FANTASTIC a definitive reference work on lighting design.