In the magical arts, the craft of misdirection is as essential as a magician's wand. It's the invisible thread that weaves through every successful magic trick, guiding the audience's attention away from the secret and towards the spectacle. When done well, misdirection allows the impossible to occur right under the noses of the audience, their gaze skillfully guided elsewhere by the magician's subtle cues.

What exactly is misdirection? In the simplest terms, misdirection is the art of controlling the audience's attention. It's about not just where they are looking, but where they are thinking. A skilled magician uses misdirection to control the narrative, guiding the audience's attention and anticipation in ways that enhance the magic.

But how can one master this seemingly elusive skill? Much like the art of magic itself, understanding and applying misdirection isn't something that can be learned overnight. It requires study, practice, and a keen understanding of human psychology. However, the good news is that there are many resources available to help you on this journey.

So let's delve into some popular resources for understanding it, and practical tips and techniques that have been shared by experienced magicians.

Popular Resources for Understanding Misdirection

I recommend a variety of resources - from magic-specific literature to books on psychology and body language. Let's explore some of these valuable resources:

Books or videos helpful in magic and showmanship

1. Dominic Reyes' Free eBook: Dominic Reyes is a professional magician known for his insightful writings on magic and performance.

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2. "Magic and Showmanship" by Henning Nelms - this book provides a comprehensive guide to the theory and practice of magic, including a deep dive into the art of misdirection.

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3. "Carneycopia" by John Carney - this book is a treasure trove of magic tricks and theory. Particularly, the coin trick "The Cylinder and Coins" offers a valuable lesson in misdirection. The book is out of print on Carney's site, but you can find collectors who are willing to let their copy go.

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4. "Salt and Silver" by Giovanni Livera - Instrumental for learning how to apply misdirection. Giovanni Livera is a world champion magician known for his unique and entertaining performances.

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5. "Gary Kurtz: Unexplainable Acts" - It's a shame that Gary isn't creating/performing as he was. He's known for his innovative thinking in magic. But his legacy lives on in these pages.

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6. "Sleight of Mind" by Stephen L. Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde - This book is a unique intersection of neuroscience and magic. Recommended for its deep dive into the mechanics of deception and misdirection.

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7. Tom Stone's Work: Tom Stone's work on misdirection is at a very high level and worth checking out. Tom Stone is a renowned Swedish magician and magic inventor.

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8. "The Magic of Slydini...And More" by Lewis Ganson - helpful in understanding the practical application of misdirection. It provides detailed instructions on the movements of hands, body, and eyes, offering a tactile approach to learning misdirection.

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9. "Spare Change" by David Acer - particularly useful as it allows control of where the spectator looks, providing an excellent training ground for misdirection. It's out of stock; but try your luck getting one from a member of Surplus Magic Exchange.

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Body Language and Psychology

1. "The Definitive Book of Body Language" by Allan and Barbara Pease - Suggested for its insights into body language, which can be leveraged to create effective misdirection.

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2. Paul Ekman's Books: Paul Ekman is a pioneer in the study of emotions and facial expressions. His work can provide valuable insights into human behavior, which can be used to enhance your misdirection skills.

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Magic Performances and Demonstrations

1. Tommy Wonder's Cups and Balls: Watch Tommy Wonder's performance of the cups and balls trick for its masterful demonstration of misdirection.

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2. Pat Page's Card Revelations: It's a delight to study Pat Page's Card Revelations, which includes a trick with a card under a glass that uses misdirection effectively.

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3. Gary Kurtz's Performances: Reading Kurtz is one thing, but seeing the man in action is a whole other experience. Watching him perform is a masterclass in misdirection.

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Updates:

Tyler D. Erickson messaged me to say:

Just my personal opinion, but I feel like the Books of Wonder should be on there, and get top billing. (Source only mentions the T Wonder cups and balls perf )

Also really love Pocket Power for magic/cinematic parallels

Email me if you have something that should be added to the list!
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