Monthly Update #25 (January 2025)
Some of my thoughts on the future of magic magazines and a classic piece of mental magic using an everyday object.
This is my first monthly update for 2025, and it’s well over a month late—sorry about that! I’m working to catch up, so you can expect to receive the next couple of updates reasonably soon (probably in a few days).
First, I would like to take a moment to thank those of you who have become paid subscribers to the Ruseletter. This year, I intend to write many more regular articles to express my gratitude to the select few individuals who have become paid subscribers. Your support means a great deal to me, keeping me motivated and allowing me to devote more time to creating thoughtful content about magic. While the Ruseletter will maintain its “freeven” publishing model—ensuring that even-numbered articles remain free for everyone—I eagerly anticipate creating unique and special content for paid subscribers in all the odd-numbered articles. I sincerely appreciate your support.
That’s enough of the sentimental stuff—let’s move on to the magic! In this update, I shall share some of my thoughts on magic magazines and periodicals. I’ll also be dipping my toe into the fascinating world of book tests.
Is the Magic Magazine Dead? 💀
While print magazines, in general, are experiencing a significant decline and are increasingly becoming part of a decaying (if not dying) legacy media landscape, magic periodicals are far from dead. They continue to thrive and evolve in the digital age, providing valuable content and insights to the magic community. In short, I think they still deserve our support.
My own journey with magic magazines began in the early 2000s when two titans dominated the landscape: MAGIC and Genii Magazine. These monthly publications offered me a glimpse into the secretive and seductive world of the professional conjurer. Together, they delivered the latest tricks, techniques, and industry news to thousands of magicians worldwide.
But times change. MAGIC Magazine closed its doors in 2016 after an impressive 25-year run, and more recently, Penguin Magic Monthly bid farewell to its readers in August 2022, just seven years after its inception. These changes have left me pondering a more critical question: what does the future hold for magic magazines? (Annoyingly, I won’t answer the question here! But I promise to return to it in a future Ruseletter article or blog post.)
Genii Reimagined 🧞
The landscape of magic publishing continues to evolve. Just last month (January 2025), long-time editor Richard Kaufman retired from Genii Magazine, marking another significant transition. Genii—the longest-running independent magic magazine since its founding in September 1936—is entering a new and exciting chapter.
Under the leadership of Jim Steinmeyer as Executive Editor and Julie Eng as Executive Director, Genii is expanding its editorial team to include Vanessa Armstrong, Noah Levine, and Chloe Olewitz. After his 25-year tenure as editor, Richard Kaufman continues to oversee the Magicana section. Randy Pitchford and Genii Enterprises, LLC will continue to guide the publication through a modernised redesign while preserving the periodical’s rich heritage.
I’ve just finished reading the February edition of Genii. I’m delighted to report that it’s packed with fascinating content. Dominic Twose’s feature article “Hugard’s Real Magician” particularly caught my attention, as it explores a mysterious 1926 card magic performance witnessed by Jean Hugard. It features one of my all-time favourite magicians of the 20th Century performing magic with a pear (though I won’t spoil the surprise by telling you who). Pear magic is a thing. Who knew?! 🍐 The issue is rounded out with excellent pieces by Krystyn Lambert, Dr. Matt Pritchard, and Pete McCabe, alongside an insightful excerpt from Peter Lamont’s new book Radical Thinking about perception, deception and critical thinking. I also enjoyed Chloe Olewitz’s editorial on Genii’s ongoing evolution.
The “In Practice” section of the magazine contains detailed instructions on four magic tricks. You’ll find Benjamin Barnes' fooling card routine in the Magicana column, which Richard Kaufman continues to curate. Adam Elbaum shares “OG AWE Struck” (this was released by Vanishing Inc. Magic a few years ago), and Roberto Mansilla describes a fresh take on “Bank Night”. Most surprisingly, Jerry Sadowitz—a man who once claimed in a UK newspaper article that Richard Kaufman was his nemesis in the world of magic—contributes a fascinating examination of the “Inzani Bottle Production”. I’m glad he’s being featured in a mainstream publication; he’s a very creative conjurer, and his sleight of hand is immaculate (in contrast to his reputation and controversial comedy persona). The issue is completed with engaging interviews and reviews of new books and tricks.
My only criticism is that the included reviews were a little too brief and lacked the depth necessary to make an informed purchasing decision. I also appreciate the enhanced aesthetics; everything from the layout, typography, and new logo exudes elegance. Based on this issue, Genii’s future certainly looks bright.
Magazine Recommendations
Here’s a list of notable magic magazines, including their monthly costs and subscription links. I’ve organised them in order, starting with my preferred options.
Genii, The Conjurors’ Magazine: A prestigious monthly magazine that has been running since 1936, offering in-depth articles, reviews, and exclusive content. Digital subscriptions start at $35 per year, less than $3 per month. If you can only afford to subscribe to one, this is it! 👉 Learn More
The Linking Ring: Published by the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM), this monthly magazine covers various aspects of the magic world. Membership to IBM includes access to The Linking Ring. Membership fees vary, so it’s best to consult their official website for current rates. 👉 Learn More
Magicseen Magazine: Described as “Europe’s Number 1 Magic Magazine”, it provides a mix of interviews, effects, reviews, and news. A one-year digital subscription consists of four issues, released quarterly, at a cost of £25, equating to less than $3 per month (just over £2). 👉 Learn More
VANISH International Magic Magazine: Considered one of the best current publications, offering a blend of interviews, articles, trends, and magic tricks from top magicians. VANISH Magazine is available as a digital download for $11.99 annually. Active subscribers can access current and past issues at no additional cost. 👉 Learn More
The Magic Circular: The official publication of The Magic Circle. Access to The Magic Circular is included with membership in The Magic Circle. Membership fees vary, so it is advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. 👉 Learn More
M-U-M Magazine: Included with a Society of American Magicians (SAM) membership. To receive M-U-M Magazine, you must be a member of the SAM. Membership fees vary, so please refer to their official website for details. 👉 Learn More
Magicol: A periodical published by Julie Eng (previously published by Magicana) for magic historians and collectors. Subscription details can be found on their official website. 👉 Learn More
Please note that subscription rates and availability are subject to change. For the most current information, I recommend visiting the respective websites of each magazine.
🔥 Hot Tip: The cheapest method to access Genii, The Linking Ring, The Magic Circular, M-U-M Magazine, and a load of older magic publications is to subscribe to the Bronze Level of Ask Alexander, which costs $9.99 per month.
These magazines provide a blend of digital and print formats, catering to the evolving needs of the magic community. They offer valuable content for both beginners and seasoned professionals, assisting magicians in staying updated on the latest tricks, techniques, and trends in the field.
The Prestidigitator
Do not fret if you lack the funds to subscribe to a magic magazine; numerous free information sources are available online. For instance, The Prestidigitator is a new contemporary online platform dedicated to preserving the art and mystery of magic. It emphasises the importance of craftsmanship, subtlety, and personal discovery in an era where instant access and commercialisation often overshadow depth and authenticity. The platform aims to rekindle the passion for genuine magical artistry among those who still appreciate its rich traditions. A worthy goal, indeed!
Every article on the site is written by an anonymous author. Ben Earl and his colleagues at Studio52 are the driving force behind this initiative. While I do not know who will write each article, I assume that Ben and his team will author some of them.
Michael Close’s Newsletter
And, of course, there are plenty of magic newsletters like this one to enjoy! One of my favourites is Mike Close’s monthly newsletter. (To subscribe for free, you need to join his website.)
Mike’s monthly newsletter serves as a valuable resource for magicians, offering updates on Michael Close’s products, events, performances, and broader news from the world of magic. It includes industry insights, opinion pieces, product recommendations, and features on prominent magicians. The newsletter is informative (and a tad promotional), catering to professional and aspiring magicians. Membership provides access to the latest edition of his newsletter (as a PDF download) and a comprehensive archive of older issues dating back to 2017.
Ultimate Transposed Cards
I recently came across an excellent tutorial video by Rudy Tinoco (the driving force behind The Magician’s Forum) that I want to share with you.
The effect being taught—“Ultimate Transposed Cards”—was created by Nikola “Nick” Joseph Pudar, a talented amateur magician who first published it in the July 1979 issue of Apocalypse magazine. Sadly, Nick passed away on February 26, 2022, leaving a legacy of generosity in his professional career at General Motors and within the magic community.
The effect is beautifully constructed: A Joker seemingly randomly selects a signed card (the Five of Spades in the video). The selected card is clearly placed in the middle of the deck, while the Joker remains in full view throughout. Then, impossibly, the Joker and the chosen card magically transpose.
What I particularly appreciate about this routine is the casual, natural way the card is selected. While the method involves some simple sleight of hand and a standard gaffed card, the effect creates a powerful moment of magic that will astonish spectators and magicians alike.
If you like this video by Rudy, he offers a premium “TMF Prime” subscription. For $5 per month, you’ll get four or five videos like this one.
Book Tests for Beginners 📚
Though card magic has been the primary focus of my writing, I have always aspired to a broader magical vision: discovering wonder in everyday objects. There is something uniquely powerful about transforming ordinary items into instruments of astonishment. A pen magically penetrates a banknote. A borrowed ring vanishes and reappears in an impossible location. A newspaper is torn and then restored in spectacular fashion.
In the coming months, I’ll explore the rich territory of “everyday magic”—effects that can be performed with objects we encounter daily. I aim to expand my repertoire beyond cards and become a more versatile performer.
I’m starting this journey with books. As someone who usually has his nose in a novel, I feel it is a natural first step. Despite three decades in magic, I've never performed a book test—one of magic’s most memorable effects where a spectator merely thinks of “any word” in a book, only to have it divined impossibly by the performer. That's about to change!
Book tests generally fall into two primary categories: those that utilise ordinary books (like David Hoy’s method) and those that require specially printed books, such as Ted Karmilovich’s “Mother of All Book Tests” (MOABT), which is highly regarded by working professionals (see this video review by David at Magic Orthodoxy). Some performers also adopt hybrid approaches, combining standard books with props or gimmicks or mixing both gaffed and ungaffed books in their routines.
After researching the topic a bit, a few things have caught my attention. Most book tests seem designed for cabaret or stage performances, particularly those employing specially printed props. As I perform in casual, close-up settings, these may not be the most suitable option, as people will likely wish to examine them more closely. However, I’m intrigued by the more recent book tests released by Josh Zandman and Kaleb Wade. Unlike others I’ve encountered, these feature classic titles you would actually find on my bookshelf, and the props resemble inexpensive reprints of well-known novels. They aren’t cheap, however!
I’m particularly keen on Josh Zandman’s “The Great Gatsby Book Test” as I’m currently working my way through the complete works of F. Scott Fitzgerald (if you’re interested in doing the same, I’ve shared my F. Scott Fitzgerald Reading Plan online, which is unfinished but contains links to most of his published stories). This book test is part of Zandman’s Series 3, which includes his “Sherlock Holmes Book Test” and “The Godfather Book Test”. What I appreciate about these offerings is that they also allow you to perform with an ordinary, ungaffed book. However, you need to purchase the correct book for this to work.
Finally, I also like the look of “The End” by Angelo Carbone; I’ve purchased several tricks directly from him and have never been let down. Here’s a positive review by Nique Tan, who owns numerous book tests (see his review of The Alchemist Book Test by Kaleb Wade for evidence!).
Given the high cost of these tricks, I’ve decided it would be wiser to start with a DIY homemade option or one that can be performed with any book. I’m also exploring the aforementioned “Bold Book Test” by David Hoy and Marc Paul’s “Triple A Book Test”. Using regular books also means I can read them and switch out the titles when I perform this at work, where it is very likely that I’ll be asked to repeat the effect.
If you have a favourite book test, please share it with me by replying to this email or commenting on Substack. I always enjoy learning from Ruseletter readers.
Three Videos Worth Watching 👀
Once again, here are three videos that I believe are worth watching. All of them feature a book test. 📚
Shawn Farquhar on Penn & Teller: Fool Us
This is Shawn’s second appearance on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. In it, he performs his comedy book test titled “Sheer Luck”. There are two methods: the one he released as a commercial magic trick and another he developed to deceive Penn & Teller. Was he successful? Watch the video to find out.
I adore the staging of the trick, though I am not keen on some of the jokes (it’s no surprise that some women are hesitant to join magicians on stage). However, I’d never perform this because, while it suits Shawn, it doesn’t align with my personal style of magic. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic piece of theatrical comedy magic.
Impromptu Book Test & Inception Method
Here’s a fabulous tutorial by the talented Michael O’Brien. In it, he shares a clever method for an impromptu book test as well as something he calls the “Inception Method”.
Michael is evidently a big fan of book tests (particularly those by Josh Zandman) and is very knowledgeable about the subject. Here’s another video from him featuring some excellent ideas and tips on impromptu book tests.
Mind Reading Book Test Tutorial
Finally, here’s another excellent method I stumbled across on YouTube. In the video, Greg Hughes of Trap Door Magic teaches a simple yet effective way to modify any book to perform an impressive book test.
I will definitely be using this method at work. Even though the preparation is time-consuming, I’m tempted to prepare several inexpensive paperbacks using the technique taught in the video. This will allow me to perform the same trick with a variety of different books.
I hope you found some helpful information in this delayed update. Expect another one in a few days!
Yours Magically,
Marty