Schiffman, Nathaniel: Abracadabra!
©1977 Prometheus Books
Hardcover, 441 pages
ISBN-13: 9781573921633
ISBN-10: 1573921637

SECRET METHODS MAGICIANS AND OTHERS USE TO DECEIVE THEIR AUDIENCE

Hardcover, W/dustjacket, 441 Pages, Copyright 1997, Condition Very Good

by Nathaniel Schiffman

Magicians use more than smoke and mirrors to deceive audiences, but their secrets are rarely revealed. Writer and magic enthusiast Nathaniel Schiffman's Abracadabra! Secret Methods Magicians And Others Use To Deceive Their Audience provides a lay reader's guide to common methods used to fool or mislead audiences. While experiments and magic tricks are included, the focus here is on how a magician manipulates the audience toward belief: an intriguing expose is created. A well researched body of work and written for the average layperson. The overall work is great for those who must figure out how these magicians do the "impossible" tricks they do. As well as going into a lot of detail about certain tricks, the author also provides us with little psychological games to play, to show the us how our minds can work against us. As well as examining traditional magic, he looks at manipulation as it's practiced in everyday life through advertising and other forms of persuasion. It's one thing to be tricked when we are happy to go along for the ride. It's another when we are made to do what others want us to, almost without realizing it.