How Magicians Think

Misdirection, Deception, and Why Magic Matters

By: Joshua Jay

Narrated 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 Company

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

Great for Magicians and Muggles Alike!

I've been performing close-up magic for about 20 years. I've met Josh and have attended his lectures. This is a great book for the insight into the psychology of magic as well as a good historical look into the art. If you're a magician, this book will give you some things to think about and will likely inspire some new thinking about your effects and performances.

feels like author is sitting beside me -Recommend!

I'm a new student of learning. I felt like Jay was sitting beside me in the living room reading this to me personally. The perspectives on performing kids and adults were "ah ha" moments for me. I did my first kids' show and felt somewhat disillusioned. "kids are trying to figure stuff out, and the connection is most important. One boy figured out the trick and I was stumped. My brain froze, and I didn't know what to do. I have since learned several ways to deal with this - you caught me, and redesign the ending to surprise and disarm, This wasn't exactly in the book, but his book inspired me to look at it differently.

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.

You have no idea why we Magicians take it so seriously.

I am a magician. I have known of Josh since he was a little kid. So that’s my honest reveal. If you love Fool Us, Penn&Teller, David Copperfield, Marshal Brodeen or even the 21 card trick you will enjoy this book. His hopes for the next great magician alone is why you should listen to this book.
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.

fantastic listen brilliant book!

As an at best amatuer in the craft Joshua Jay paints a very vivid picture of how to take in and digest the art and wonder of his profession. I can not thank you enough Joshua!

Fascinating

A wonderful book on human psychology as well as many great stories interwoven. Very much worth a credit.

Great listen

If you’re expecting magic, tricks revealed, don’t buy this, but if you’re expecting a great insight to the world of magic, this is a great book. Well done.

Mystery and magic is for you

This is one of the magic greatest book I have ever read and heard but it does not tell me how to do a single trick. Maybe that is the most magical part!

Magic!

I'm not a magician, but my older brother was - he and a friend made a good business doing magic shows for birthday parties and church gatherings, and his sleight of hand was really good - I could stand right with him and *not* see what he was doing.

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.

Great Perspective to Share

I’ve followed magic for years and have enjoyed Joshua Jay’s viewpoint from his years as a professional. My efforts on it has mostly been used to get youth Sunday school classes going.

Great audio book

I enjoyed the thinking of the author and the performance of the book. It was a most enjoyable “read” that is listen. It gives the the back story of the author/ magician.