
How Magicians Think
Misdirection, Deception, and Why Magic Matters
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Buy for $22.49
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Joshua Jay
-
By:
-
Joshua Jay
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 listeners 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 listenable 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 and 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.
©2021 Joshua Jay (P)2022 Workman Publishing CompanyListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"[How Magicians Think] is delightful in being both a how-to book for aspiring artists and an in-depth view of the world of magic and its artisans. Jay is refreshingly candid in how he views his work, often self-deprecating, but always serious about his passion for his trade. An entertaining book from start to finish."—Booklist
“How Magicians Think is fascinating, beautiful, and can't-put-down shocking. It will inspire awe in its depiction of the secretive world of magicians and is a must-read for anyone passionate about pursuing excellence.” —Uri Geller
“How Magicians Think is one of the most remarkable books I have ever read! Joshua Jay is a genius storyteller who has distilled a life’s worth of insights into a single book, and the result is magical.” —Steven Levitt, co-author of Freakonomics
People who viewed this also viewed...


















Joshua Jay, thank you for taking the unknown hours and days to research, connect and write this jewel.
He enlightens me about magic and the different ways magicians think. More than that - insight into the world of magicians. blew a number of my "bubbles" (beliefs) about magic in a good way. This book (audio & print) is mesmerizing; couldn't put it down. I'm a "newbie" and many "subtle" and not-so-subtle insights make me a better magician. It came to me at an ideal time, as I'm starting to perform for my neighbors & friends.
feels like author is sitting beside me -Recommend!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Josh has a gentle style and it comes through in this book. A wonderful peek into the mind of people like me. A must read for anyone young or old. Thank you Josh for putting into words what most magicians are thinking.
You have no idea why we Magicians take it so seriously.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
fantastic listen brilliant book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Fascinating
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great listen
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great for Magicians and Muggles Alike!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Magically changed my mind
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Mystery and magic is for you
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
So I've got a bit a personal connection here, and this book didn't disappoint me. It's modern and contemporary and mentions a lot of magicians I've never heard of ...it's also interesting because Jay (who narrates the book himself) uses "she" as his default pronoun: he would really like to see more female magicians and magicians "of color," and his choice of pronoun is perhaps his way of orienting his readers to the future he imagines.
Magic!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Great Perspective to Share
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.