Computer graphics is a vast field that is becoming larger every day. It is impossible to cover every topic of interest, even within a specialization such as CG rendering. For many years, Noriko Kurachi has reported on the latest developments for Japanese readers in her monthly column for CG World. Being something of a pioneer herself, she selected topics that represented original and promising new directions for research. Many of these novel ideas are the topics covered in The Magic of Computer Graphics.

Starting from the basic behavior of light, the first section of the book introduces the most useful techniques for global and local illumination using geometric descriptions of an environment. The second section goes on to describe image-based techniques that rely on captured data to do their magic. In the final section, the author looks at the synthesis of these two complementary approaches and what they mean for the future of computer graphics.

Geometry-Based Approaches
Introduction to Photorealistic Rendering
Physical Quantities of Light
Modeling the Behavior of Light
Structure of Rendering
Global Illumination
The RenderingEquation and Its Solutions
The Radiosity Method
Monte Carlo Ray and Path Tracing
Photon Mapping
Programmable Graphics Hardware and G
Volume Rendering and Participating Media
Volume Visualization Techniques
Volume Rendering
Participating Media
Subsurface Scattering
Subsurface Scattering
Modeling Subsurface Scattering
BSSRDF Models
Recent Progress in Subsurface Scattering

Image-Based Approaches
Image-Based Rendering
Stereo
Image Warping
Image-Based Modeling and Rendering
The Light Field
High Dynamic Range Imaging
Response Curves and HDR Imaging
HDR File Formats
HDR Video
Image-Based Lighting
The Basics of Image-Based Lighting
Environment Maps and IBL

Coalescence of Geometry-Based and Image-Based Approaches
Reconstruction of Reflectance
BRDF Models
The Reflectance Field
Separation of Direct and Global Illumination
Reflectance of Hair
Multiple Scattering in Hair
Recovering Details of Hair
Bidirectional Texture Function
Origin of BTFs
BTF Synthesis
BTF Models
Radiance Transfer
PRT Fundamentals
Advancing Radiance Transfer
PRT and Dynamic Simulation
Precomputed Acoustic Transfer
Precomputed Radiance Transfer in Movies

" ... mathematical ideas are conveyed clearly, with both formulas and intuitive discussions. Algorithms are presented in understandable prose (not code or pseudo code). The book covers not just the most compelling rendering methods of the 1990s and 2000s but also background on the physical lighting models that underlie the standard Kajiya rendering equation. Many illustrations help convey the material. Includes 12 pages of color plates. ... Recommended" 
¿  S. L. Tanimoto, University of Washington in CHOICE Magazine

"Ms. Kurachi¿s text is one we¿d warmly recommend to those familiar with the field, who want to have a nicely put together cross-section on hand."
¿ Alex Voicu, Beyond3D, October 2011

"¿ providing students and computer graphics users with specifics on image-based rendering and offering chapters packed with discussions of environmental maps, BRF synthesis, BSSRDF models, and much more. Technical college-level collections strong in computer graphics models will find this a popular reference."
¿ Midwest Book Review, October 2011

"¿ if you are interested in computer graphics, then it has to be on your bookshelf ¿ If you can cope with the math and you want to explore some topics in computer graphics which are the subject of current research, then this is a really good book."
¿ Mike James, IProgrammer, August 2011

"The book you hold today tells the story of this new era of computer graphics. Working closely with researchers who helped lead this revolution, Noriko Kurachi describes these key innovations and brings them together as a coherent body of knowledge. Please read this book, practice the techniques, and figure out if they will allow you to create the visions you have in your mind."
¿ Paul Debevec, pioneer in HDR imaging and image-based modeling

"The 406-page book is rich in discussion, tutorial, and tricks. This book will find an important place in the library of all those who have a geek-love of pixels."
¿ Jon Peddie's Tech Watch, September 2010