Devious Standards by Jamy Ian Swiss

Elevate Your Magic! Explore a New Collection of Thought-Provoking Insights…Jamy Ian Swiss is a prominent figure in the magic community, known for his impactful contributions.Insightful, articulate, passionate, and occasionally provocative are just a few descriptors that capture Swiss and his writing style. His first essay collection,Shattering Illusions, garnered acclaim from both magicians and critics, highlighted by a remarkable review in the Los Angeles Times. With the credibility of a seasoned performer and a dedicated scholar of magic’s history, Swiss’s insights resonate deeply. He has graced platforms such as The Today Show, CBS’s 48 Hours, PBS’s Nova, and made multiple appearances on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. His clientele includes prestigious organizations like Fortune 500 companies and the Smithsonian Institution. Swiss has also lent his expertise to renowned magicians like Penn & Teller and Marco Tempest, and has been featured in the New Yorker. His writings challenge those who think magic theory is merely academic. Swiss draws from extensive performance experience and close relationships with many of today’s leading magicians.In Devious Standards, Mr. Swiss compiles a selection of his most recent essays that delve into the nuances of magic performance and its artists. These pieces reflect his profound insights on what defines exceptional magic and the barriers to achieving it. Featured essays include “The Method Is Not the Trick”, “Discovering Importance”, “Empathy”, “A Dissertation on the Double Lift”, “The JS Rules of Magic”, and “The Last Layman”. The book also pays tribute to four legendary magicians: Martin Nash, Derek Dingle, Bob Read, and Billy McComb.Devious Standards is crafted for those who seek to enhance their magic and for aficionados who appreciate the art form. It charts a course from technique to artistry for those bold enough to embark on it.