Book on the Theory of Artifice and Subterfuge?

[Shako]

Not looking for literature on tricks but the theory of deception itself written by a practiced illusionist preferably.

 

[RealityOne]

Are you looking for theory regarding designing effects, performance or the psychology of magic? Also, is your focus close-up, parlor or stage? When you say illusionist, I think you are talking about the design of large stage illusions. Is that what you are looking for or is it something else?

Also, how long have you been doing magic and what sources (books, DVDs, etc.) have you been learning from? Your level of experience in learning and performing magic will have an effect on which book would be best for you.

 

[JarrettC2]

5 Points in Magic by Tamariz

Magic and Meaning by Burger/Neale

Our Magic by Maskelyne & Devant

http://www.lybrary.com/our-magic-p-138.html

Strong Magic and Designing Miracles by Ortiz

Magic in Mind (free collection of essays from many greats).

https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-downloads/ebooks/magic-in-mind/

The Books of Wonder (1 and 2) by Tommy Wonder

Magic in Theory: an introduction to the theoretical and psychological elements of conjuring. By Lamont

 

[JarrettC2]

@RealityOne ‘s questions are important for narrowing things down. My list might not meet any of your criteria... however I feel they are all pretty great reads regardless if you have interest in magic theory as deception goes hand in hand.

 

[Shako]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm not interested in doing magic nowadays, I used to do magic for 5 years but I am more interested in the philosophy of deception and no philosopher can parallel the intuitive knowledge gained by performing "magic tricks".

 

[JarrettC2]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm not interested in doing magic nowadays, I used to do magic for 5 years but I am more interested in the philosophy of deception and no philosopher can parallel the intuitive knowledge gained by performing "magic tricks".

Some of those (5 points, Designing Miracles, and theory and psych of conjuring) and a few social engineering/manipulation books may be more of what you’re after. Deception is a little bit relative really.

Found this for you as well:
http://www.strangemag.com/artofhonestdecept.html

Hopefully you can find what you need until some others chime in.

 

[Maaz Hasan]

Derren Brown has a few really good books on theory

 

[RealityOne]

Some of those (5 points, Designing Miracles, and theory and psych of conjuring) and a few social engineering/manipulation books may be more of what you’re after. Deception is a little bit relative really.

I think that Five Points and Magic in Theory are your best bets.