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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.
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Creators
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Publisher
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Release date
September 28, 2021 -
Formats
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Kindle Book
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OverDrive Read
- ISBN: 9781523510917
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EPUB ebook
- ISBN: 9781523510917
- File size: 43107 KB
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Languages
- English
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Reviews
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September 1, 2021
One of a magician's goals is to gain spectators' belief in their illusions. The key for magicians is not being oblivious to the wonder in the spectacle themselves. Magician Jay (Magic: The Complete Course) has been working on his craft for more than three decades. He is also a keen observer of fellow magicians, looking for the seamlessness and context in their acts that lead to success. Here Jay relates anecdotes from his career, the highs (performing for heads of state) and lows (playing to an empty crowd). Each chapter offers something interesting to readers, from Jay's influences to his favorite magicians to the obsession that drives any magician in perfecting an illusion. The book 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.COPYRIGHT(2021) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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