The Magic Mirror, Robert E. Neale with David Parr

2002, first edition. In very good condition. (See photos).

The Magic Mirror is Robert E. Neale's newest exploration into the innermost workings of performance magic, filtered through the professional sensibilities of co-author David Parr. Dr. Neale insightfully identifies the many kinds of magic, in theatrical, historical and social contexts. From this foundation, he creates a method for classifying magical effects by their psychological roots. Using this system the reader can readily determine the underlying emotional content of an effect and build a powerful presentation around it.

The Magic Mirror shows how magic can be comic, serious, thrilling, playful, inspiring. Included is a selection of exceedingly clever effects with full presentations, to illustrate Dr. Neale's points. Among these are:

• Baffling Borromean Rings—Three permanently interlocked rings change their configuration, even when a spectator holds them to make sure that this is impossible.
• The Last Dream—With tombstone-shaped cards, the performer takes his audience on a nightmarish trip through mortality.
• Counting Scarecrows—An origami crow mysteriously outwits a group of "hunters" who are guided in their movements by a spectator.
• Whatsabox—A simple box of cardboard turns out to be far from simple. First it has an open top and closed bottom, then two tops, then two bottoms-and a ball placed into the box finds itself trapped inside, then just as mysteriously is released.

These and nine other effects are taught and amplified by the reflections of Eugene Burger, Max Maven and David Parr, who have peered into Robert E. Neale's astonishing Magic Mirror. Now it is your turn.