Erudite Magic

07/07/2024

No episode today, gang. Spent the week enjoying family, food, and fun. I'll be back next Sunday!

In the meantime, if you still want some terrific magic content, subscribe to my newsletter. This week, I shared some industry news as well as a trick I use all the time!

This is The Erudite Magic Digest, where we discuss all things magic book related. Click to read The Erudite Magic Digest, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.

06/30/2024

Today's episode of Erudite Magic is a banger 🔥 - I think it's some of my best editing work...and, it ties in with the newsletter in a way. 📰

I'll give you a hint: it's a book review. Any guesses? 🤔

06/28/2024

Let's discuss how to save money on magic in this week's Erudite Magic Digest!

But it doesn't have to be that way if you read this newsletter

06/21/2024

Today is the day! Afterglow by is a complete card magic act featuring 7 dynamite tricks, seamlessly assembled into a memorable and flexible routine.

This isn't just a collection of tricks; it's a ready-to-go show that can be performed with a borrowed, shuffled deck, anytime and anywhere.

Do you have a card magic show that builds up into a theatrical and magical experience, where each trick naturally leads to the next?"

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06/20/2024

In this newsletter, I'm giving you a FREE trick performed by some top mentalists! Plus, I'm sharing some of my favorite tricks from Tarbell - magic that's ready to go right into your mentalism show!

I'm also tipping something I learned from Sunday's episode that we all need to apply to our magic to make it better (it's not what you think!), a hot tip about a book out tomorrow, and a profound thank you for all your support!

Where do I start?

06/19/2024

In my latest video, I addressed the relevance of these books in today's magic environment. What do you think - do you still perform from these pages, or are they past their prime?

In this week's Erudite Magic Digest, I'll be addressing some tricks I believe are ready to be added to someone's act. Subscribe now if you don't want to miss out!

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06/17/2024

Wisdom from Morgan & West.

How do you find opportunities to “perform it a lot?” I think this is something many magicians are interested in, but there’s not much information out there…

https://bit.ly/EruditeMagicDigest

06/14/2024

In this issue of The Erudite Magic Digest, we discuss my day job and the events of this past week, lessons I've learned, a way to save 10% on magic books right now, and even a new trick that will eventually be published in my magic book. Enjoy!

We are more than just products

06/07/2024

In this episode of The Erudite Magic Digest, we're exploring the role of family in your magic, Morgan & West's big announcement, a throwback review, and a life hack that will help you with your magic library.

Family, essays, science, and invisible bookends!

06/01/2024

Morgan & West are breaking up...

I just saw the news - Morgan & West are breaking up. Not in a bad way, but they have run their course as Morgan & West, and now they want to focus on other things after devoting 15 years to doing shows together. Their legacy will live on through Parlour Tricks (their book detailing the show they’v...

05/31/2024

In this issue of The Erudite Magic Digest, we explore part of an unrecorded conversation with Michael Ammar, celebrate another amazing milestone, share some research I've been doing, and another trick for the memdeck magic book I hope to publish one day. Enjoy!

If you go half way around the world, you should at least learn something...

05/24/2024

Discussing where I've been, what I've learned over the past 4 years, and a book that's available again at a deep discount. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Erudite Magic!

05/23/2024

I never owned any Scott Alexander books until recently, and now I own two. This one was waiting for me when I returned home from traveling, and I'm excited to dig in!

What do you know about Scott's books - do you have any recommendations for me to check out?

It's a shame that the magic world lost someone so talented and energetic at such an early stage. You wonder what his lifetime of output could have been... Regardless, I plan to enjoy what he did publish!

04/25/2024

📲 Magic Ebooks
🤯 What Lies Inside available again
📓 Asi Wind drops a new book
🃏 A great trick from John G's latest book
📝 And my list of responses to "What Could Go Wrong."

All in the latest Erudite Magic Digest.

Take your library with you anytime, anywhere

04/18/2024

Some interesting fodder for conversation, including a discussion of disclaimers, an EDC magic idea, and a correction from Sundays episode. Enjoy!

*Sigh*

04/11/2024

New issue of the Erudite Magic Digest now available. We're discussing a book I'm writing, my magic EDC, a classic that's back in print, AND I'm teaching a trick I came up with for the first time!! 👏

(and I need your help!) That's right, I'm writing a magic book AND I'm sharing a trick I devised that will eventually be included. Not to mention, I'm also sharing my magic EDC, a classic back in print, and getting real about Sunday's episode of Erudite Magic. Check out the Erudite Magic Digest!

04/04/2024

Two a week on the newsletter - what am I thinking?! Well, I've got things to share with you, so enjoy!

Find Their Performance on Your Shelf

04/02/2024

The next edition of my newsletter is hot off the press. 🔥 Audio commentary, an idea for your next bookshelf, Asi's appearance on the Huberman podcast, and a routine I learned from Annemann (for paid subs). Enjoy!

What's Your Goal?

03/28/2024

This week's newsletter is out!

My Least Favorite Card Trick Plots

03/24/2024

What are the most important aspects of a limited or collector's edition for you? Is it extra content, special binding, extras, autographs...?

I'm not much of a "collector," so I'd like to understand what's important for you. And, if you're like me, let me know that you don't care about the collector's edition. 🤷‍♂️

03/22/2024

The newsletter, some social media fun, and an upcoming book review, not to mention advice for when you just haven't read those magic books on your shelf...enjoy!

[Magic] March Madness

03/22/2024

Hey all, I'm starting a newsletter dedicated to the topics we all know and love on Erudite Magic. Subscribe and keep up-to-date on all things magic book related. Thanks in advance for your support!

This is the Erudite Magic Digest, where we discuss all things magic book related. Click to read Erudite Magic Digest, a Substack publication. Launched 10 hours ago.

03/17/2024

🤫 This isn't a public video, so you can only see it here. This is my behind-the-scenes video of my trip to Pigeon Forge with my buddies for the Winter Carnival of Magic. Keep it secret, keep it safe...

🤫 This is my secret Winter Carnival of Magic recap video. I went down to meet up with my buddies Edmund, Mike, and Jeff. You can see some snippets of what w...

02/27/2024

This weekend, I released my review of The Definitive Sankey collection - a three volume "best-of" set of Jay Sankey's magic through 2012.

There is *so much magic* in these three books, it's hard to fathom that one person came up with it all. There are effects with rubber bands, finger rings, keys, body parts, business cards, etc.

But not only does it include Jay's magic, it also includes thought-provoking essays, an intimate interview, his comedic cartoons, and "Top 10" lists by 10 notable magicians.

What about you - What are some of your favorite Jay Sankey tricks?

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02/21/2024

The Society of American Magicians ( ) published an impressive book not too long ago, filled with interesting stories, mini biographies, and the history of America's oldest magic society. Here are a few pictures to give you a sneak peek...

I think it's important for every art form to respect the past, and understand those who have gone before. This is a cool way to learn some of the important history of magic in America, as told by one of its best entities for ensuring the success of the future of magic.

Who are some of your favorite historic magical characters?

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02/12/2024

I spent the last week digging into this card magic treasure by . These two volumes are a diverse set with so much accessible magic.

They're beautiful both inside and out, and I think you'll enjoy having them in your collection - I know I do!

I wasn't very familiar with Allan's work previously, but I'm glad this set reintroduced me to a great card man and a real gentleman. I'll be studying this quite a bit!

02/02/2024

I had to do a little shopping while I was at MagiFest...

Even though I have the complete set of Hugard's Magic Monthly, I can't help falling in love with a beautiful magic book. (If you don't already know, Martin Gardner's Impromptu Magic was originally published as a column in Hugard's Magic Monthly).

But, all of the Miracle Factory books have so many beautiful extras, and it's really cool to have everything in one book instead of spread across seven volumes. After seeing these pictures, I think you'll agree with me that I made a good purchase. 😉

Do you perform impromptu magic? If so, what are your favorite pieces?

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Do you perform impromptu magic?

01/11/2024

Bar magic doesn't seem as popular today as it used to be. 🍻 Maybe it's because bars have changed over the years...

Regardless of the reason, I think it's time for this quick-style magic to make a comeback. With attention spans ever shortening, maybe it's time to call a play from an old playbook.

If you're into bar magic/quickie magic, Matt Schulien is one of the first names old-school magicians think of. This eponymous book has a lot of interesting material and inspiration from an old master.

What are some of your favorite sources for bar magic? 🤷🏻

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01/07/2024

Sometimes you don't crack a magic book during the week...it's a week filled with family, friends, celebrations, and travel. And you know what? That's ok.

This was that week for Erudite Magic. With everything going on, I ran out of time to create my episode for this weekend. There won't be a show tomorrow, but I'll be back next weekend with our regularly scheduled programming.

Hope your 2024 is off to a fantastic start!

01/05/2024

In case you missed last year's Books of the Year, they're still some great titles!

These are the Erudite Magic top books of the year for 2022.📚 Books I Wish I Liked ▶️ https://youtu.be/R5BxFc7WWug🛒 This episode is sponsored by Don's Magic...