Genii the Conjuror's Magazine
Volume 88
Issue 6
June 2025
THE GENII SPEAKS
Orson’s monster in the darkness; June features take the stage
MAILBOX
White space: We get letters complaining about nothing
THE JUNE ALMANAC
Mentalism at perilous times; Houdini steals the show
IN MEMORIAM
Jean Merlin by Bloom & Sanvert
The French master made magic, and made toast!
Curtis Kam by Tom Dobrowolski
The Hawaiian close-up artist, and his influence
THE EYE BY VANESSA ARMSTRONG
David Berglas celebrated; finding the mysterious Sophie Lloyd
FEATURES
More Than Slightly Superhuman by Craig Mitchell
Derren Brown’s striking new stage show, Only Human, combines stage technology with old-fashioned pseudoscience.
The Theater of One Person, Making Magic by Jim Steinmeyer
Our Genii Roundtable focuses on magic as theater—our experts discuss the art and craft behind a one-person show.
Magic Access: Understanding the Role of the ASL Interpreter by Chloe Olewitz
How words become visible, how magic becomes accessible through interpreters.
VOICES
The Frame Defines What the Audience Sees by Peter Lamont
Changing our magic through their expectations.
The Genii Questionnaire by John Carney
What do Vernon and Ballantine have in common?
Be a Magic Detective by Krystyn Lambert
How a notebook can make you think.
Learning Another Kind of Magic by Paul Gertner
A new trick that actually changes everything.
IN PRACTICE
Magicana by Richard Kaufman
Slow Motion Cards Across by Larry Jennings.
Inventing Magic by Blake Vogt
Belt Melt, from a chat with Justin Willman.
Dictionary Test by Roberto Mansilla
The author’s professional book test, a full routine.
The King Thing by Adam Elbaum
A favorite effect, with the details that make it great.
The Magic Castle by Shawn McMaster
Eddie Goldstein’s visit, and his approach to bar magic.
The Chicago Magic Lounge by Vanessa Armstrong
The popular magic showplace in the Windy City.
MARKETPLACE
$100 Challenge by Skyler Jade
We gave a young magician $100 to buy some current magic.
Staff Picks by White Rabbit Magic
The surprising magic shop you should know about.
Trick Reviews
- The Baffling Phones
- Magic Lotto
- Unseen Force Pro
- Odyssey
- Stab in the Dark
- Together Forever
Book Reviews
WORKSHOP
Caught in the Spread by Dr. Matt Pritchard
A free choice, and then the lasso gets pulled tight.
The First Thing You Say by Pete McCabe
Carefully planning your first impression.
Restaurant Residencies by Sara Crasson
Discussing restaurant performances with two professionals.
PERSPECTIVES
Sleightly Astonishing by Jim Hagy
Deftly discussing secrets, Harold Rice’s artistry.
A Small Tale of Resilience by Ben Winn
An overlooked tale of a diligent team of magicians.
Love on Your Own Terms by Leah Orleans
A classic trick, resurrected by a talented performer.
Coffee With… Jade
What she’s been performing, how she reaches audiences.