Joshua Jay - Magic: The Complete Course

Hooray for Jay

Joshua Jay is a young man with ancient knowledge. The legendary wizard, Merlin, was said to have been born old and de-aged through his life. This leads one to believe that young Mr. Jay may be that same master wizard. His love for the art of magic is profound and his mastery is astounding. This book is an exquisite and vast introduction to the world of magicbeautifully photographed, brilliantly explained, and magnificently structuredand a great and important addition to any magic library. Beginners will feel like theyve discovered Aladdins treasure. But there are many treasures here for even the experienced conjurer. It is a small masterpiece from a young master.
JASON ALEXANDER, ACTOR AND MAGICIAN

I have known for years that Joshua Jay is a great magician. Now I discover that he is a great teacher of magic. His latest book, MAGIC, is the perfect tool for learning this ancient art form. Jay covers the mechanics and more importantly the presentational skills that will make any student into an amazing magician. Highly recommended!
LANCE BURTON, WORLD-RENOWNED LAS VEGAS STAGE MAGICIAN

With some of the heaviest hitting, most powerhouse tricks ever invented, MAGIC is the Greatest Hits of the Magic World; you could take ten pages and have enough killer material to headline in Vegas. Besides, whoever learns these effects will find that theyre more popular, easier to bear at parties, and much more mysterious to the ladies.
THE AMAZING JOHNATHAN, AWARD-WINNING COMIC MAGICIAN AND STAR OF COMEDY CENTRALS LOUNGE LIZARD

*Hooray for Jay! There are plenty of books that tell you how to do magicheres one that really makes you want to do it. This is great stuff!
HARRY ANDERSON, MAGICIAN AND STAR OF TVS NIGHT COURT

Finally, a book that brings the art of magic into the 21st century! Josh Jays MAGIC contains practical, mind-blowing routines that make sense to a modern audience. I can attest to the power of the magic within these pages as Im currently using a handful of the ideas and effects as part of my award-winning act.
RICK MERRILL, 2006 WORLD CHAMPION OF MAGIC

This book is packed with intriguing ideas and good information, which add up to a lot of fun.
MAX MAVEN, WORLD RENOWNED MENTALIST AND MAGIC SCHOLAR

An excellent selection of magic tricks with cards, coins, matches, and other objects, including thumbtips and linking ringsall explained clearly, and with a wealth of color photos. Its a big book intended for young magicians entering the strange, semi-secret world of conjuring for the first time. Even if you are a season magician, youll find here some fine effects you are not likely to know.
MARTIN GARDNER, AUTHOR, SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN COLUMNIST, MATHEMATICIAN

I wish this book was available when I started magic.
JACK WHITE, PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF MAGICIANS

THE COMPLETE COURSE

by Joshua Jay

WORKMAN PUBLISHING NEW YORK

Copyright 2008 by Joshua Jay

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproducedmechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopyingwithout written permission of the publisher. Published simultaneously in Canada by Thomas Allen & Son Limited.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

eISBN 978-0-7611-5968-1

Design by Janet Parker and Kate Lin

Illustrations by Kagan McLeod

Workman books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk for premiums and sales promotions as well as for fund-raising or educational use. Special editions or book excerpts also can be created to specification. For details, contact the Special Sales Director at the address below.

Workman Publishing Company, Inc.
225 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4381
www.workman.com

Credits

Copyright in the photos reproduced is owned by the respective photographers and agencies. Despite our research, it has not always been possible to clearly establish copyright ownership. In any case where appropriate credit has been omitted or incorrectly given, we would appreciate notification.

Front Cover: Photography by Rafael Fuchs
Stylist: Tina Latonero
Hair and Makeup: Dina Kinion

Back Cover: Photography by David Arky

Interior photography by David Arky Photography

Additional Photography:
p. vi (right) Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, p. x H. Armstrong Roberts/Getty Images, p. 11 Anne White Photography, p. 21 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 25 The Nielsen Magic Poster Collection, p. 28 Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, p. 30 Gary OBrien, p. 47 The Nielsen Magic Poster Collection, p. 68 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 78 (lower left) Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, p. 93 Courtesy of Simon Aronson, p. 99 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 102 Jeff Davis, p. 114 Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, p. 122 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 127 Courtesy of Gregory Wilson, p. 141 Mark J. Terrill/AP Images, p. 149 Anne White Photography, p. 161 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 183 Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 186 Shutterstock, p. 187 (left) The Nielsen Magic Poster Collection, (right) The Houdini Museum, p. 189 Courtesy of Peter Martin, p. 210 Courtesy of David Regal, p. 218 Courtesy of Barrie Richardson, p. 225 Courtesy of Gene Anderson, p. 237 Courtesy of Tom Frank, p. 251 (top left and right background) Shutterstock, p. 251 (bottom) Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 254 Courtesy of Andi Gladwin, p. 268 The Nielsen Magic Poster Collection. p. 271 Extended Credits: (left) Anne White Photography, (middle, top to bottom) Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, Gary OBrien, Courtesy of Banachek, (right, top to bottom) Courtesy of Simon Aronson, Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, Mike Caveneys Egyptian Hall Museum, p. 272 (left, top to bottom) Jeff Davis, Richard Faverty/Beckett Studios, Courtesy of Gregory Wilson, Courtesy of Daniel Garcia (middle, top to bottom) Courtesy of Clive Grewcock, Courtesy of Curtis Hickman, Anne White Photography, Courtesy of Barry Richardson, (right) Courtesy of Andi Gladwin.

The most beautiful experience we can have
is the mysterious.
It is the fundamental emotion which stands at the
cradle of true art and true science.
ALBERT EINSTEIN

Whats the point of a magician?
He comes on, he fools you, you feel stupid,
shows over.
JERRY SEINFELD

Magic needs a makeover. Toss the tuxedo. Lose that top hat and set the rabbit free. And that goatee has to go. No more impaling women in boxes, and enough with the corny insults. Just stop.

Magic is the most mysterious of the performing arts. Why has she become so trivial?

The tricks. Most of the material magicians use is outdated or out of context. Consider the rabbit-from-the-top-hat effect. No birthday party is complete without it, and for fifty bucks the Amazing Larry will do the honors. And every time a rabbit comes out of a hat, another dozen nine-year-olds think magic sucks.

But as Einstein pointed out, magic can be moving. The moment we experience a great trick, we are instantly children again. For a fleeting momentafter the magic happens and before logic sets inthe world is boundless and anything is possible. Only magic can do that.

Magic is filled with amazing effects. And theyre even more amazing because theyre simple. Good magic is easy to describe and easy to remember: She made a hundred bucks appear or He cut through a lady.