How Magicians Think: Misdirection, Deception, and Why Magic Matters - Hardcover

by Joshua Jay (Author)

The door to magic is closed, but it's not locked.

And now Joshua Jay, one of the world's most accomplished magicians, not only opens that door but brings us inside to reveal the artistry and obsessiveness, esoteric history, and long-whispered-about traditions of a subject shrouded in mystery.
And he goes one step further: Joshua Jay brings us right into the mind of a magician--how they develop their other worldly skills, conjure up illusions, and leave the rest of us slack jawed with delight time after time. Along the way, Jay reveals another kind of secret, one all readers will find meaningful even if they never aspire to perform sleight of hand: What does it take to follow your heart and achieve excellence?
In 52 short, compulsively readable essays, Jay describes how he does it, whether it's through the making of illusions, the psychology behind them, or the way technology influences the world of magic. He considers the aesthetics of performance, discusses contemporary masters, including David Copperfield, Penn & Teller, and David Blaine, and details how magicians hone their craft. And answers questions like: Can a magic trick be too good? How do you saw a person in half? Is there real magic in the universe? The answers, like so much in magic and life, depend on you.

Author Biography

Joshua Jay, bestselling author of Magic and other books, has performed on stages in over 100 countries, fooled Penn & Teller on their hit show, Fool Us, and holds a Guinness World Record in card magic. He has designed illusions for stage and screen, including a recent collaboration with HBO's Game of Thrones. In 2018, he was recognized by the Society of American Magicians with their highest proclamation, for his contribution to the art of magic. He lives in New York City.