The Magic Mirror is Robert E. Neale's newest exploration into the innermost workings of performance magic, filtered through the professional sensibilities of co-author David Parr. Dr. Neale insightfully identifies the many kinds of magic, in theatrical, historical and social contexts. From this foundation, he creates a method for classifying magical effects by their psychological roots. Using this system the reader can readily determine the underlying emotional content of an effect and build a powerful presentation around it.

The Magic Mirror shows how magic can be comic, serious, thrilling, playful, inspiring. Included is a selection of exceedingly clever effects with full presentations, to illustrate Dr. Neale's points. Among these are:

• Baffling Borromean Rings—Three permanently interlocked rings change their configuration, even when a spectator holds them to make sure that this is impossible.
• The Last Dream—With tombstone-shaped cards, the performer takes his audience on a nightmarish trip through mortality.
• Counting Scarecrows—An origami crow mysteriously outwits a group of "hunters" who are guided in their movements by a spectator.
• Whatsabox—A simple box of cardboard turns out to be far from simple. First it has an open top and closed bottom, then two tops, then two bottoms-and a ball placed into the box finds itself trapped inside, then just as mysteriously is released.

Manufacturer Says

Hardcover, 182 pages.