The Magic of Johnny Thompson

An iconic two-book set is finally available again in limited quantities at a lower price than ever before!

When it was first released in 2018, The Magic of Johnny Thompson was one of the most highly-anticipated book launches ever. It sold out immediately and has since been sought after by magicians and collectors alike.

"We have been fans of Johnny Thompson for more than forty years. He has helped create and refine virtually every branch of our stage and television work.” Penn & Teller

"Johnny is not only the most knowledgeable and proficient magician I have ever met, he is also a great teacher who is happy to share his knowledge... I have learned more about magic from Johnny Thompson than anyone else in the world.” Lance Burton

Upon Johnny’s passing in 2019, there were fears among the community that the book may never be printed again. However, as part of our acquisition of Magicana’s publishing business, Vanishing Inc. has gained the rights to re-print some of Magicana’s most seminal titles. Among them was The Magic of Johnny Thompson.

This astounding two-book collection authored by master magician Jamy Ian Swiss is one of the most incredible deep dives into a legendary magician’s arsenal that you’ll ever find. Any magician that missed their chance to grab this the first time, can now finally learn Johnny Thompson’s best secrets. And, since this version is not signed, it's available at a lower price than ever before.

What made Johnny truly unique was his ability to master multiple trades. As The Great Tomsoni & Co., he created one of the most influential stage acts of his era. But he also had a sterling close-up repertoire, and a distinguished career as a trade-show magician. In his later years, he even became the go-to consultant for performing magic on television.

We’ll never forget when Johnny was the Guest of Honor at The Session shortly before his passing. He brought the house down with his inimitable magic, and fantastic anecdotes about Vernon, Miller, and nearly every other important figure in magic.

In The Magic of Johnny Thompson, Jamy Ian Swiss meticulously details 80 of Johnny Thompsons’ most cherished and celebrated routines. Beloved effects like The Cups and Balls, The Balls in the Net, The Egg Bag and The Gambler’s Ballad are expertly taught. There’s also previously unpublished material from Johnny’s respected colleagues and mentors like Dai Vernon, Harry Riser and Ed Marlo. Johnny Thompson’s Trade Show Act is even explored in its entirety (including a sample script and his impossible $100 prediction).

As magic’s premiere book publisher, we took careful consideration into ensuring The Magic of Johnny Thompson was re-produced with the same exceptional quality you’ve come to expect from both Magicana and Vanishing Inc. This gorgeous, two-volume slipcased set contains over 600 pages and nearly 1,100 photographs.The forewords and introductions are also a who’s who of magic icons including Jamy Ian Swiss, Lance Burton, Teller and Levent.

Put simply, The Magic of Johnny Thompson is everything you’d expect—and so much more—from one of magic’s most respected luminaries. It will be a cherished centerpiece in your library.

This limited reprinting of The Magic of Johnny Thompson is bound to sell out. We cannot guarantee when another printing will be available. So grab your copy now before it’s gone!

Details at a Glance:

• Two hardcover books in a slipcase (12.5in x 9.25in x 2.75in)
• 78 routines
• 663 pages
• Nearly 1,100 photos
• World-class material (including unpublished routines)
• Written by Jamy Ian Swiss

"More than 40 years ago Johnny Thompson welcomed me into his home and into his confidence. Since that day, every time I've met with Johnny I have learned something valuable from him about the real secrets of magic. These books are a treasure trove of knowledge from a true Master who has seen it all, done it all, and is generous enough to share his wisdom with the rest of us.” Michael Weber