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  • Blog index by category

    Articles

    In-depth explorations of topics such as: magic philosophy, theory and practice; magic as an art; presentation and persona; etc.

    Why Magic and Mentalism Are Not Art (November 25, 2014)

    Three rules for magic stories (March 31, 2014)

    Emotional intelligence (January 31, 2014)

    Mixing magic and mentalism (August 30, 2013)

    A matter of deception (July 22, 2011)

    A perfect English gentleman (January 12, 2006)

    Making card magic magical (December 8, 2003)

    Fear of magic? (January 2, 2002)

    Stories and other devices (January 2, 2001)

    A richer tapestry (January 2, 2000)

    It’s what you say (December 1, 1999)

    Pick a trick, but not any trick (November 1, 1999)

    Magician, mentalist or…? (October 1, 1999)

    Yes, Virginia… magic and wonder do exist (September 1, 1999)

    ‘Be yourself’ (August 1, 1999)

    Book reviews

    Brief reviews of a few magic books, mostly older ones.

    Bob Wagner’s Master Notebook of Magic (June 8, 2000)

    Pockets Full of Miracles (June 6, 2000)

    A book of magic for young magicians (December 1, 1999)

    Variations (November 6, 1999)

    Natural Selections, volume II (October 4, 1999)

    Brain Food (October 3, 1999)

    Millenium Aces (September 5, 1999)

    IST! products

    Product info, announcements, updates, etc.

    Mentalism in “Reading Writing” (May 1, 2013)

    The story of “Reading Writing” (April 15, 2013)

    “Reading Writing” is now shipping (April 2, 2013)

    The proof has arrived! (March 21, 2013)

    New book: “Reading Writing” (March 19, 2013)

    Magicreads

    Free or low-cost ebooks that may be of interest to mystery workers, available on Amazon and other digital bookshops

    Rabbits Out of Hats (February 4, 2019)

    Actors and the Art of Performance (December 24, 2018)

    Win the Crowd (November 1, 2018)

    The Witch of Lime Street (October 31, 2018)

    “Tarot Cheat Sheet” free ebook (April 25, 2013)

    Magideas

    Raw ideas on which to build. These are posted here and on Twitter with the hashtag #magicthots. I invite you to use them, discuss them on Twitter or here, and even to submit your own.

    The Dark Space Between (October 1, 2012)

    Musings

    Brief thoughts on things I come across, mostly online

    Thoughts by W. H. Auden (September 6, 2021)

    The Book-Test Test (September 17, 2012)

    News

    Latest news about I Saw That, our products, or magic

    Legacy (April 20, 2024)

    My French Connection (April 4, 2024)

    Wow! (September 26, 2021)

    New book: Rencontres (September 26, 2021)

    New! The Ultimate Second Deal (April 1, 2014)

    Transcending the circus (July 27, 2013)

    Book launch party at Browser’s Den (May 3, 2013)

    Q&A with Ariel on Facebook (May 3, 2013)

    “Reading Writing” is now shipping (April 2, 2013)

    The proof has arrived! (March 21, 2013)

    New book: “Reading Writing” (March 19, 2013)

    New book: getting close! (September 8, 2012)

    Soma in Bootbaaas! (August 19, 2011)

    When magic makes a difference (July 31, 2011)

    Drop the pinkie, you’re not the Queen (July 22, 2011)

    My first guest post! (July 7, 2011)

    Suzanne: the magic of rapport (June 29, 2011)

    By way of introduction… (May 9, 2011)

    Reading lists

    Required reading for various topics and types of magic.

    Card Magic (January 5, 2002)

    Close-up magic (January 4, 2002)

    Theory & presentation (January 3, 2002)

    How to be a close-up magician (January 2, 2002)

    Stand-up & general magic (January 1, 2002)

    Scripts

    New and interesting presentations for old and new tricks. Contributions are always welcome!

    Sociopath: a Bizarre psychometry experiment (March 23, 2014)

    The Book of Hidden Knowledge (October 26, 2013)

    In the News (January 2, 2000)

    Technique

    Sleight-of-hand topics.

    One-hand overhand shuffle (March 26, 2019)

    Double Overcut (April 8, 2013)

    Tricks

    Just because we all have more tricks than we know what to do with, doesn’t mean there isn’t room for more. You’re welcome to contribute!

    The Waco Kid (August 30, 2016)

    Pencil OOBE (June 18, 2014)

    ‘Life Journey’ Improvement (October 10, 2012)

    Thank you, Mom! (January 7, 2012)

    Spectator’s Ambition (August 5, 2011)

    Fake Reverse Reverse Redux (June 2, 2001)

    Birthday Wish (June 2, 2000)

    Gabi’s ‘Oil-water two-step’ (December 2, 1999)

    Standing Triumphant (November 2, 1999)

    The Ghost of Dunninger (October 2, 1999)

    The Next Next Card (September 2, 1999)

    Life Journey (August 2, 1999)

    Twisting Climax (July 1, 1997)