10 Ebooks

In early 2019, we celebrated our decade-long journey by launching a three-year initiative dedicated to enhancing your skills as a magician. As this project concludes, we are excited to present the complete collection of 10 ebooks for the first time ever.

Astonishing Essays are compact, engaging books that challenge your perspective on magic. Collaborating with some of the industry’s brightest minds, we delve into topics they are passionate about.

Each essay is concise and designed for a single sitting, offering more depth than a blog post yet shorter than a full-length book. Readers who explore all 10 essays will undoubtedly enhance their magical abilities.

The feedback on our Astonishing Essays project has been overwhelmingly positive. While we feel a sense of nostalgia as it wraps up, we are thrilled to commemorate it with this special box set, serving as a 10-step guide to becoming the best magician you can be.

Included in “Astonishing Essays Complete Set (Vol. 1- 10)”

1. Evergreen by Steve Cohen

In his first book for magicians, Steve Cohen shares the journey of crafting his Millionaire’s Magician persona and creating one of New York City’s best magic shows. This is essential reading for anyone aspiring to develop their own magic performance.

2. The A,B, Z’s of Magic by Rob Zabrecky

This insightful essay serves as a mini masterclass in character development from the uniquely entertaining Rob Zabrecky. Originally part of his award-winning lecture series, it is crucial for understanding the performance aspect of magic.

3. Diary of a Prison Magician

This compelling narrative follows a prison inmate who uses magic to cope with his life sentence. He shares experiences of performing “inside” and the unique challenges of entertaining in a tough environment, highlighting the transformative power of magic.

4. Dying to Change by Dr. Lawrence Hass

Unlike many magic books that focus on tricks, Dying to Change emphasizes magic as a form of entertainment. Dr. Hass, who transitioned from academia to a full-time magic career, explores what it takes to succeed in this art and its impact on our lives.

5. The Trickster Spirit by Robert E. Neale

This humorous yet profound essay invites readers to reconsider the magician’s role in contemporary society. It presents a thought-provoking exploration of magic and mortality, reshaping your understanding of this unique art form.

6. Focusing on Magic by Andi Gladwin

Andi Gladwin, co-founder of Vanishing Inc., shares insights from over two decades of magic experience, offering a structured approach to learning and performing magic effectively.

7. Finding the Spotlight by Tina Lenert

This heartfelt essay from one of the world’s most cherished stage magicians shares her inspiring journey and offers essential advice on character development and authenticity in performance.

8. The Conjuror’s Conundrum by Jamy Ian Swiss

Jamy Ian Swiss, a respected author and magic historian, examines the intersection of magic and science in this captivating essay. He recounts his experiences challenging fraudulent psychics while advocating for honesty in magic.

9. Get Outta My Way, I’m Going to Hell by John Lovick

This unique essay offers a deep dive into a specific routine, “Quote of the Day” by Penn & Teller, providing a critical analysis that reveals how even minor choices can significantly impact a magician’s performance.

10. Magic by the Numbers by Joshua Jay

The final essay in the series by Vanishing Inc. co-founder Joshua Jay presents groundbreaking research on audience perceptions of magic. Nearly a decade later, he revisits the findings, offering fresh insights that empower magicians to enhance their craft.