The Real Work by Wesley James

Wesley James is a name that resonates with serious magic enthusiasts, and his latest book, “The Real Work,” is a testament to his expertise. This marks his first new publication since 2007, showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and exceptional technique. Inside, readers will discover innovative plots and profound insights that can transform their approach to magic.

As expected from Wesley, the book delves deeply into card magic, offering a level of analysis that is seldom found in the realm of sleight-of-hand. Spanning over 200 pages, this dense volume is packed with valuable information that will require time to fully absorb, but it delivers on its promise of being the “Real Work.”

This book may not cater to novices seeking quick, self-working tricks, but it serves as a treasure trove for seasoned performers looking to refine their skills. It also benefits beginners by helping them sidestep common pitfalls encountered by others. Few magic books provide such sophisticated thought and analysis, making this a resource you’ll revisit as you explore various topics in magic. It’s an essential guide for discovering new plots, enhancing technique, and understanding the history behind both classic and lesser-known effects.

While no single book can cover every aspect of card magic, “The Real Work” examines its chosen subjects with a depth that has been likened to a PhD course in magic, as noted by a reviewer from the Linking Ring.

The Table of Contents below outlines the extensive material covered in Wesley’s “The Real Work.”

• Preface
• Introduction
• Problem Solving
• Future Perfect
• The Hofzinser Solution
• Brown Tabled
• The Spectator Cuts and Makes the Aces
• The Greek Spectator Cuts and Turns the Aces
• Spectator Cuts the Grand Coups
• A Pain in My Ace
• Zombies
• Inspired By
• Bolder Aces
• Visible Riser
• Dead Thumb Fake-out
• Dispersed Transposition
• The Jump Back Card
• Stand-Up Magic
• The Stuff of Legends
• In a Glass with a Twist
• Garuda Aces
• Seven Deck Dream
• Notes on the Tuned Deck
• Tabled False Cuts
• In the Cue
• Aim a Canted Sinker
• The Age of Knight
• Frustration
• Either Way is Good
• Technique Notes
• Notes on the Application of the Bottom Deal to Magic
• Notes on the Under the Spread Force
• Notes on the Improved Christ-Balducci Force and other Cut Force Strategies
• The JJ Tabled Bluff Multiple Shift
• Notes on the WJ “Invisible Pass
• The Diagonal Palm Shift
• Closing Observations
• Bibliography
• Index

1st edition 2014, 212 pages with illustrations and photos. Word count: 107,350, equivalent to 429 standard pages of text.