Magic Is Dead: My Journey into the World's Most Secretive Society of Magicians
Feb 2019 · HarperCollins
4.8star
9 reviewsreport
Ebook
317
Pages
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About this ebook
A journalist recounts his life-changing journey through the secret world of underground magic in this “funny, illuminating, and personal” memoir (Brooklyn Rail)
When struggling journalist Ian Frisch came across magician Chris Ramsey on Instagram, he knew he had the makings of a good story. But what began as a simple profile piece led Ian to the52—a secret society of magicians determined to revolutionize their ancient artform under the mantra Magic Is Dead.
As Ian gains entry to the52, he forms close bonds with its founding members—Laura London, Daniel Madison, and Chris Ramsay. He attends private gatherings of the most extraordinary magicians working today, follows them to magic conventions in Las Vegas and England, and discovers some of the best tricks of the trade. He also goes behind the scenes of a Netflix magic show and encounters David Blaine, Penn Jillette, and Dynamo, the U.K.’s most famous magician.
As Ian tells the story of the52, and his role as its most unlikely member, he reveals his own connection with trickery and deceit, sharing how he first learned the elements of magic from his poker-playing mother. Rich with the history of magic and populated with a cast of fascinating characters, Magic Is Dead is a page-turning work of immersive journalism coupled with a young man searching for himself.
When struggling journalist Ian Frisch came across magician Chris Ramsey on Instagram, he knew he had the makings of a good story. But what began as a simple profile piece led Ian to the52—a secret society of magicians determined to revolutionize their ancient artform under the mantra Magic Is Dead.
As Ian gains entry to the52, he forms close bonds with its founding members—Laura London, Daniel Madison, and Chris Ramsay. He attends private gatherings of the most extraordinary magicians working today, follows them to magic conventions in Las Vegas and England, and discovers some of the best tricks of the trade. He also goes behind the scenes of a Netflix magic show and encounters David Blaine, Penn Jillette, and Dynamo, the U.K.’s most famous magician.
As Ian tells the story of the52, and his role as its most unlikely member, he reveals his own connection with trickery and deceit, sharing how he first learned the elements of magic from his poker-playing mother. Rich with the history of magic and populated with a cast of fascinating characters, Magic Is Dead is a page-turning work of immersive journalism coupled with a young man searching for himself.
Ratings and reviews
4.8
9 reviews
Paul W
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April 5, 2019
An insightful, intriguing and well-written book. Absolutely loved it and looking into the lives of these magicians and everything that goes on behind the scenes. Such a fun read. Ian has created an historic book in my mind. Was really disappointed when it ended.
1 person found this review helpful
Nicolas Caron
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December 12, 2019
An interesting glimpse into a world usually shrouded in secrecy. The book takes us bhind the curtain while introducing us to a bunch of interesting people who are writing the next chapter in the history of magic.
2 people found this review helpful
Kamal Mishra
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March 2, 2019
great book for the people who know Chris , madision and other big magical and for the people who want to know the underground world of magic
3 people found this review helpful
About the author
Ian Frisch has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Washington Post Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, Playboy, Wired, and Vice. He has appeared on Bloomberg Television and speaks regularly at universities both about writing and entrepreneurship, and was a finalist for the 2016 Associated Press Sports Editors Explanatory Award. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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