Mij’s Book Recommendations. Part III: For Experts
In offering this list of recommendations it is important to recognise that the publications written about are not in any particular order, however they are a collection of works which I believe hold great value. I have divided these titles into 4 sections: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert and Reference. ‘Reference’ simply exists as a list of books which contain knowledge for anyone interested in sleight-of-hand, theory and are willing to delve deeper into the rabbit hole of our art form.
Books for Experts:
In this section I will be including difficult material. It will require the reader to already have a lot of experience within the realm of sleight of hand, audience management and performance. You have been warned.
THE PAGES ARE BLANK BY MICHAEL FELDMAN
Unlike traditional magic books, The Pages Are Blank does not just provide tricks — it encourages creative thinking and originality. Feldman challenges magicians to experiment with their own ideas, rethink common methods, and develop a deeper understanding of deception. For magicians who want to refine their craft and move beyond standard techniques, this book serves as both an inspiration and a guide.
At its core, the book explores how audiences perceive magic and how performers can manipulate those perceptions to create stronger, more deceptive illusions. Feldman emphasizes that magic is not just about fooling spectators but about crafting meaningful and engaging experiences. He discusses how magicians can strip away unnecessary complexity while enhancing the sense of impossibility in their routines. His writing encourages magicians to rethink why tricks work, rather than just how they work.
Feldman introduces a range of innovative ideas and original effects, many of which rely on subtle psychological techniques rather than elaborate sleight-of-hand. His routines often use casual, natural movements and clever structuring to make the magic feel spontaneous and uncontrived. He is particularly skilled at disguising methods within the flow of an effect, ensuring that audiences never suspect the true workings of a routine. His approach aligns with the belief that the strongest magic is often the simplest in appearance, making it feel almost effortless.
A key aspect of The Pages Are Blank is its focus on audience psychology and misdirection. Feldman analyses how spectators think, what they remember, and how their assumptions can be manipulated to create the illusion of impossibility. He also explores the magician’s persona, emphasizing that how a trick is presented can be just as important as the method itself. His writing is filled with insights that push magicians to think beyond standard tricks and into deep, meaningful performance theory.
BEFORE WE BEGIN BY ASI WIND
Before We Begin by Asi Wind is a deep and insightful exploration of the psychological and theatrical elements that take magic beyond mere tricks. Rather than focusing on sleight-of-hand, this book delves into the art of audience management, psychological influence, and pre-show techniques, teaching magicians how to create the perfect conditions for magic to feel truly impossible before the performance even begins.
One of the most valuable aspects of the book is its detailed discussion on pre-show work, a powerful yet often misunderstood tool in mentalism and magic. Wind explains how to subtly gather information, influence spectators’ choices, and create the illusion of spontaneous miracles — all before the audience even realises the show has begun. He provides ethical and effective strategies for using pre-show techniques to seamlessly integrate secret knowledge into a performance, making revelations appear completely organic and unexplainable.
Wind’s central philosophy is that magic doesn’t begin with the first effect — it starts long before that, through careful scripting, psychological priming, and audience engagement. He teaches performers how to frame their tricks in a way that removes suspicion and makes the impossible seem natural. By mastering the subtleties of language, timing, and body language, a magician can guide spectators’ perceptions without them ever feeling manipulated.
A major focus of the book is spectator selection and management. Wind provides strategies on how to choose the right volunteers, build rapport, and subtly direct their actions while ensuring they feel in complete control. He emphasizes that a magician’s role is not just to fool people, but to create a shared experience of wonder, making the performance feel real rather than like a mere puzzle to be solved. His insights into misdirection, audience psychology, and theatrical structure help magicians elevate their performances beyond mechanical trickery.
Filled with practical real-world advice drawn from Wind’s years of professional experience, Before We Begin is an essential read for any magician who wants to improve their stage presence, audience control, and overall impact. By focusing on pre-show work, psychological techniques, and performance theory, Wind provides magicians with the tools to make their magic feel stronger, more natural, and truly impossible. Unlike books that teach only methods, this book teaches the why and how of crate unforgettable moments of mystery.
POCKET BOOK BY PETER TURNER
Pocket Book by Peter Turner is a compact yet powerful guide focused entirely on the PK Touch routine, one of the most mysterious and impactful effects in mentalism. The book explores various ways to create the illusion that a spectator is being touched without the performer ever physically making contact. This effect, when performed correctly, can feel truly supernatural, leaving audiences with a deep sense of astonishment.
Turner’s approach to PK Touches goes beyond standard methods, diving into the psychological, theatrical, and structural elements that make the routine feel completely real. He explains how to design performances that remove any suspicion, ensuring that the effect is as deceptive as possible. Rather than relying solely on secret gimmicks or mechanical methods, Turner’s thinking focuses on subtle audience management, misdirection, and suggestive techniques to enhance believability.
Turner explains how to subtly establish expectations, prime spectators’ minds, and set up invisible frameworks that will allow the effect to work smoothly. His insights into timing, scripting, and spectator selection make the difference between a good performance and a truly astonishing one.
Turner also explores the emotional and theatrical side of the routine, emphasizing how to turn a simple effect into a powerful experience. He discusses different presentation styles, from mystical and spiritual performances to more scientific or psychological explanations, depending on the performer’s persona. This flexibility allows mentalists to tailor the routine to their unique style and audience.
In addition to performance structure, Pocket Book provides practical solutions for dealing with challenges that may arise during a PK Touch routine. Turner addresses issues such as skeptical spectators, unexpected reactions, and how to adapt in real time. His real-world experience shines through, offering performers a toolkit of solutions to ensure the routine always lands with maximum impact.
Unlike traditional mentalism books that cover a wide range of effects, Pocket Book is entirely dedicated to mastering the PK Touch routine. It is a must-read for mentalists who want to perfect this classic effect, make it feel truly impossible, and create an unforgettable experience for their audiences. Turner’s insights make this book an invaluable resource for those looking to elevate their performance and execution of PK Touches.
Written by Mij & posted by Anna.