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 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.

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

“Joshua Jay is a superb, innovative conjurer with an unrelenting love of the art. This captivating book is proof of that passion.” —David Copperfield

“A loving, behind-the-scenes map of the world of magic, by someone who knows and lives the art. Swift, funny, honest, and alive with enthusiasm. And he has the good sense to quote me a lot.” —Teller (of Penn Teller)

“Joshua Jay has proven to be an important voice in magic. How Magicians Think is a thoughtful, engaging look into the secretive world of magicians. This book will excite anybody with a curiosity of love for magic.” —David Blaine

“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

“In How Magicians Think, the great Joshua Jay reveals a magician's greatest secret—not a secret shuffle or how they kept a dove alive in their pants for four hours —but how they think. The answer? Differently, creatively, and beautifully. I mean, how can you not love someone who's devoted their life to making you feel wonder?” —Pete Holmes, comedian and author of Comedy Sex God

“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

“A must-read for anyone who loves magic. Joshua Jay is not only a world class performer, but he is a thought-leader in magic. Whatever your passion, you'll find inspiration and motivation in these pages. I couldn't put it down.” —Jon Dorenbos, NFL Superbowl champion and best-selling author

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.