"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
"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
Johnny Thompson is one of the most respected minds in magic and a living legend. He was our Guest of Honor this year at The Session, and he BROUGHT THE HOUSE DOWN with his inimitable magic, as well as fantastic anecdotes about Vernon, Miller, and nearly every other important figure in magic. What makes Johnny unique, to us, is that he is a master of many trades: he had one of the most iconic stage acts of his era, a sterling close-up repertoire, and a distinguished career as a trade-show magician. In later years he became THE consultant for magic television shows.
And now, he shares it all with you.
Written by renowned author Jamy Ian Swiss and the master magician himself, Johnny Thompson, The Magic of Johnny Thompson meticulously details the real secrets of seventy-eight of Johnny’s most cherished and celebrated routines, including The Cups & Balls, The Balls in the Net, The Egg Bag and The Gambler’s Ballad.
It also includes previously unpublished material from Johnny’s respected colleagues and mentors including Dai Vernon, Harry Riser and Ed Marlo. There is an extended chapter devoted to the close-up magic of Charlie Miller and Max Malini. There is the entire Johnny Thompson Trade Show Act (complete with a sample script), including the incredibly impossible $100 Dollar Prediction. There is also a chapter devoted to dove and silk magic by The Great Tomsoni & Co., which incudes a thorough essay on the development of a dove act.
This handsome two-volume, slipcased set is over 660 pages and is illustrated with nearly 1,100 photographs and features forewords by Jamy Ian Swiss and Lance Burton, and introductions by Teller and Levent.
Everything you would expect—and much more—from one of the most respected magicians of this, or any other age!
Specifications:
Two-volume hardcover, slipcased set: 12.5" x 9.25" x 2.75" (31.75 x 23.5 x 7 cm), approximately 10 lbs. (4.5 kg) with 78 routines spread over 663 pages, featuring nearly 1,100 photographs.