Max Keller's Light Fantastic: The Art and Design of Stage Lighting, was originally published in 1985 and made available in English in 1999, setting new standards of technical and artistic excellence while outlining the evolution of lighting in live entertainment. The work was re-released in 2006 and 2010, and this year has been updated again, this time edited by acclaimed photographer Ralph Larmann.
The new version includes input from some of the legends of modern stage lighting including Mikki Kunttu, Rob Koenig & Dan Braun, Mark Cuniffe, Christopher Bauder, Tim Routledge, Martin Kuhn, JoJo Tillmann, Ulrike Brandi, Karl Gerstner, Herbert Kapplmüller, Peter Sloterdijk, Manfred Wagner, Patrick Woodroffe, Sooner Routhier, Herbert Bernstädt, Lee Baldock, and Rob Halliday.
A kickstarter campaign has been started to fund the 2026 edition, which will be a large-format hardcover volume of more than 430 pages of lighting wisdom and stunning photographs. Printed on uncoated GMUND paper and produced using a printing process used by Larmann for his photographic works and tailored to image quality and tactile experience, it combines exceptional content with exceptional craftsmanship. In terms of scope, presentation and production quality, there is no comparable work anywhere in the world dedicated to the art and technology of lighting design.
Project backers will receive the book before early and selected editions and rewards will be available exclusively as part of the Kickstarter campaign.