Introducing the groundbreaking debut from Chicago magician and creator Nathan Colwell, centered around an innovative card plot inspired by the philosophical dilemma known as “The Ship of Theseus.”

“Nathan Colwell’s Theseus is a model of how to simultaneously explain and inspire—not only its uniquely mysterious subject, but also the meticulous process of how its creative components came into being. In the ’60s such books were considered ‘trippy,’ because they expanded one’s consciousness in evolutionary ways, revealing differences that actually make a difference. In that regard, Colwell’s debut book is both an exciting journey and a destination.”

—Jon Racherbaumer

Nathan Colwell, a Chicago-based magician and author, presents a captivating exploration of a card plot derived from the thought experiment “The Ship of Theseus.” This philosophical inquiry poses the question: If every part of an object is replaced, does it retain its original identity through this transformation?

From the foreword by Marcus Eddie:

“Prepare for an epic journey into a realm of ideas that will ignite your imagination. Colwell will deconstruct your thinking and replace it with fresh, powerful concepts. But will you emerge unchanged? My belief is that you will be transformed forever!”

Embark on a magical adventure with Theseus, structured in four engaging sections: Logbook, Open Sea, Adrift, and Fellow Travelers.

Part I, Logbook, delves into the historical context, core ideas, and key concepts that will be examined throughout the book. This section covers the Ship of Theseus dilemma, the Theseus plot, the author’s working script, and the historical evolution of the plot and its solutions.

Part II, Open Sea, presents methods deemed suitable for public performance, listed in their original developmental order. This section includes solutions Three, Five, Six, and Ten, while omitting those not included in the sequence.

Part III, Adrift, discusses methods that did not meet the author’s performance standards. These are included to provide a comprehensive understanding of his insights regarding the plot. It also features an intriguing one-phase effect that aligns with the style of Theseus.

Part IV, Fellow Travelers, showcases interpretations of the plot from two esteemed card magicians: Harapan Ong and the late Simon Aronson. Their contributions are remarkable additions to the narrative.