Absolute Magic is a book written by Derren Brown, a renowned magician and illusionist. Published in 2000, the book delves into the secrets and techniques behind the art of magic and illusion. Brown presents a comprehensive exploration of magic, covering various aspects including misdirection, suggestion, psychology, and audience manipulation. Throughout the book, Brown shares his insights and experiences as a magician, shedding light on the intricacies involved in creating and performing magic tricks. He delves into the importance of timing, body language, and psychology in order to effectively deceive and entertain an audience. Brown emphasizes the significance of practice and dedication in honing one's skills as a magician, debunking the common misconception that magic is purely based on supernatural powers.
The century after 1550 saw intense confessional conflict accompanied by widespread censure and disciplinary measures, with prominent Lutheran theologians and demonologists preaching that divination was a demonic threat to the Christian community and that soothsayers deserved the death penalty. Rulers, however, refused to treat divination as a capital crime, and the populace continued to embrace it alongside official Christianity in troubled times. The Devil’s Art highlights the limits of Reformation-era disciplinary efforts and demonstrates the extent to which reformers’ efforts to inculcate new cultural norms relied upon the support of secular authorities and the acquiescence of parishioners. Negotiation, accommodation, and local resistance blunted official reform efforts and ensured that occult activities persisted and even flourished in Germany into the modern era, surviving Reformation-era preaching and Enlightenment-era ridicule alike.
Popular divination faced centuries of elite condemnation, as the Lutheran clergy attempted to suppress these practices in the wake of the Reformation and learned elites sought to eradicate them during the Enlightenment. But, oh, Leyh is absolutely on point here; her mix of irrepressible cartooning and narrative subtlety, of bounce and insinuation, is a wonder to behold.
Brown emphasizes the significance of practice and dedication in honing one's skills as a magician, debunking the common misconception that magic is purely based on supernatural powers. One of the key themes in Absolute Magic is the psychological aspect of magic. Brown explains how magicians use various psychological techniques to influence and control the thoughts and perceptions of their audience.
The witch coy series
I favored Snapdragon to win this year’s Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids (though, um, another book ended up winning). Of all the recent comics about witches that I’ve reviewed here, Snapdragon strikes me as the most sure-handed and persuasive, as well as the richest. It shares with most of the other “witch” books a progressive, inclusive, queer-positive ethos and Bildungsroman structure. Snapdragon, though, brings even more to the table, without ever overcramming or pushing too hard. Unsurprisingly, the book has a utopian, welcoming, vibe, but author Kat Leyh stirs in so much complicated humanness that the results never seem pollyannish or schematic. What we get is a winningly complex cast of characters, queer and trans representation that is central to the story while being gloriously unflustered and direct, spooky supernatural details that resolve into unexpected affirmations, and, above all, vivid and confident cartooning – one terrific, nuanced page after another. I was just a few pages in when I realized that I was in the hands of a master comics artist.
The book has guts. Its first panel delivers a closeup of hungry birds tearing into carrion (roadkill), then zooms out to Snapdragon, or Snap, barreling through the woods on her bike. “Our town has a witch,” Snap’s opening captions tell us. “She fed her eye to the devil. She eats roadkill. And casts spells with the bones…” So, by way of opening, Leyh leans into the creep factor:
But Snap, a fierce young girl, isn’t having it; the town’s rumors of a witch are “bull,” she thinks. “Witches ain’t real,” her skeptical thoughts go, as she brings her bike skidding to a halt in front of the witch’s (?) home. But soon enough Snap has joined forces with this supposed witch, a quirky old woman named Jacks who cares for animals but also salvages and sells the bones of roadkill to collectors and museums. Is Jacks a witch? Does she wield real magic? The book remains coy about this until halfway through, but Snap quickly bonds with Jacks, who welcomes Snap into her work, mentors her in animal anatomy and care, and becomes a sort of avuncular (materteral?) queer role model.
That bond helps Snap claim her own implied queerness – that, and Snap’s friendship with Lou/Lulu, an implicitly trans schoolmate labeled as a boy but anxious to claim her girlness. All the book’s relationships are worked out with care, including the crucial one between Snap and her overworked but wise single mom, Vi. Leyh’s characterization is slyly intersectional, including sensitivity to class (Lu and Snap are neighbors in a mobile home park, a detail conveyed with knowing matter-of-factness). Almost every character has more to give than at first appears – the sole exception being Vi’s toxic ex-boyfriend, a heavy whose sudden reappearance at the climax is the book’s one surrender to convenience. Everything else feels truly earned.
Snapdragon is the kind of book that, described in the abstract, might seem to be playing with loaded dice. In less sure hands, its story could have come across as pat and programmatic, a matter of good intentions as opposed to gutsy storytelling. But, oh, Leyh is absolutely on point here; her mix of irrepressible cartooning and narrative subtlety, of bounce and insinuation, is a wonder to behold. Snap and Jacks are great characters, and in good company. Their world feels real and vital. Leyh infuses their story with grace, understanding, and nonstop energy. I’ve read this book multiple times and expect to read it again. I’d read sequels, if Leyh wanted to offer any. And I’ll follow her whatever she does.
Studies in Early Modern German History
He dissects the principles of suggestion and misdirection, revealing how magicians exploit the human mind's susceptibility to manipulation. By understanding the way people think and perceive the world, magicians are able to create powerful illusions that captivate and mesmerize. Another prominent aspect discussed in the book is the relationship between the magician and the audience. Brown emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience on an emotional level, establishing trust, and creating a sense of wonder. He explores the art of storytelling and its role in enhancing the impact of magic tricks, providing examples from his own repertoire. Absolute Magic is not just a guide for aspiring magicians, but also a thought-provoking exploration of the principles and philosophy behind magic. Brown challenges the conventional understanding of magic and seeks to demystify the artform, revealing the underlying techniques that make magic possible. It is a must-read for anyone interested in magic, psychology, or simply fascinated by the wonder and deception of illusion..
Reviews for "Unmasking the Genius of Derren Brown's Absolute Magic"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Absolute magic derrwn brown". I was expecting to be blown away by incredible magic tricks, but instead, all I got was cheesy theatrics and predictable illusions. The show lacked originality and failed to captivate my attention. I found myself constantly checking my watch, waiting for it to end. Overall, it was a major letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for true magic.
2. Michael - 1 star - As an avid fan of magic shows, I can confidently say that "Absolute magic derrwn brown" was a complete disaster. The tricks were sloppy and poorly executed, leaving no sense of wonder or amazement. It felt like I was watching a low-budget production with amateur magicians. The show lacked any creativity or innovation, and I couldn't wait for it to be over. Save your money and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Absolute magic derrwn brown" considering the popularity of the performer, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The show seemed rushed and lacked proper storytelling. The tricks were predictable and lacked the wow factor that you expect from a magic performance. Overall, it felt like a mediocre production and left me feeling unsatisfied. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a truly magical experience.
4. John - 2 stars - "Absolute magic derrwn brown" was a huge disappointment. The show seemed disjointed and lacked a cohesive theme. The tricks were average at best and didn't offer anything new or exciting. There was a lack of audience engagement, and it felt like we were simply being shown a series of random illusions without any emotional connection. It's a shame because I had heard great things about Derrwn Brown, but this show was a major letdown.