The Magic of Ascanio (Vol. 1)

Before I begin, let me point out that «The Magic Of Ascanio» is actually 4 books:

1- Structural concepts of Magic
2- Studies of card magic: Ascanio’s favorites
3- Studies of card magic: Ascanio’s Classics
4- Knives and Color-blindness

For this particular review, I will concentrate on the first book.

If by buying this book you intend to find various tricks with cards, you will be very disappointed. No tricks at all, of any kind. What you will find, however, are various lectures that Ascanio gave at various points in his career as a magician. It is a very complete analysis of what makes magic «magical». The book is made out of four parts.

The first part deals with various thoughts on magic, as approached by Ascanio. He talks about such things as history, originality, presentation, cover, perception and technique. He also introduces notions pertaining to the conception of a magical atmosphere (Technique, misdirection, Timing,…), and goes into the analysis of effects ( routining principles, performances…).

Part two is constituted of various interviews he gave with various people like J. Tamariz, Docampo, and Aurelio Paviato.

Part three dives straight down in details relating to: Presentation, cover, construction, technique, and how to study magic.

Part four deals with creativity.

This book is roughly 300 pages long, and does raise very important points regarding how we do magic, and how it is perceived by our audiences. It is like a university degree in «Magical Performance». Although Ascanio is mainly concerned with card magic and close=up, his lectures and analysis of magic find applications in whatever sphere of magic you operate in, whether it is stage, close-up, professional or amateur. This book is like having your own personal coach telling your how to improve yourself and your magic.

Have a good day!

Louis Jutras
Montreal Magician/Le magicien de Montreal