Authors Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde studied the techniques that magicians use to trick the brain and applied their knowledge and expertise to magic-related human behaviors. In addition, the researchers collaborated with notable magicians that include: Amazing Randi, Apollo Robbins, Max Maven, mac king, teller, Johnny Thompson and more.
Exploiting the Mind
I found that the information often confirmed what I know from my experience performing magic, and there were lots of interesting insights as well.
Secrets
I think that it’s mostly justified exposure, but for a book designed for the lay public, I think the authors may have gone overboard a bit, particularly at the end when they felt that they had to explain every secret in their stand-up show. On the other hand, will this exposure hurt the performance of magic? Probably not.
In addition to being an entertaining and insightful read, the book - by explaining how the mind works and reacts to stimuli - has the potential to help one to become a better magician. I know that at my most recent restaurant gigs, I’ve been thinking about some of the concepts as I performed my routines, and there may be some adjusting and experimenting as a result.
It’s not a “how-to” magic book or boring science journal that dryly recites facts. But “Sleights of Mind: What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals about Our Everyday Deception,” offers an engaging read that should have lots of appeal to magicians.
