Dariel Fitzkee Books

Showmanship for Magicians, written by Dariel Fitzkee in 1943, is the first installment of the Fitzkee Trilogy, a seminal work still revered by magicians today. Fitzkee, born in 1898 in Illinois, initially focused on specific magic tricks in his early writings, such as Cut and Restored Rope and Linking Ring Manipulation. He also contributed to Genii Magazine, writing columns like "Thoughts are Things" and "Glimpses of Strange Shadows," along with a long-running review column. Despite his extensive analysis and contributions to magic, Fitzkee struggled to find success as a professional magician, with a touring act that faltered in 1939-1940. Frustrated with the mediocrity in magic during his time, Fitzkee criticized performers for clinging to outdated styles and conventions. He believed magic needed to evolve to remain engaging for audiences. To this end, he identified 39 "Audience Appeals" from various entertainment forms that could enhance magic performances. The subsequent books in the trilogy, The Trick Brain and Magic by Misdirection, delve deeper into the mechanics of magic and the psychology behind it. Fitzkee emphasized that entertainment is paramount for magicians, followed by skill development and understanding the spectator's perspective. His trilogy has left a lasting impact on the field of magic, influencing generations of performers.

First published in the US in 1945. "Magic by Misdirection" applies the psychology of deception to the art of magic. The finest minds of magic have recognized it an important and monumental work on the subject. It makes clear the psychological devices and methods you can use to deceive your audience: - Disguise - Attention Control - Simulation - Dissimulation - Interpretation - Maneuver - Pretense - Ruse - Anticipation - Diversion - Monotony - Premature Consummation - Confusion - Suggestion... and much more. Fitzkee supplies practical examples in the form of tricks incorporating and utilizing these principles.

First published in the US in 1944. This is no mere book of tricks. Fitzkee reduces all magic tricks to some nineteen general basic effects. Then, one by one, he discusses All the possible ways of accomplishing any of these general effects. He also starts suggesting ways of developing new tricks from old ones. '"The Trick Brain" is the finest single achievement ever brought to the magic world.... It is a necessity for the intelligent magician"-Stuart Robson "An outstanding contribution to the literature of magic... The best work on the theory of magic since Nevil Maskelyne"-Wilfred Jonson. "This work is of great value for magicians. Whether or not the book is used for producing original magic, it should be read, reread and studied by every magician for a better understanding of what magic is and what magicians can do and can seem to do.... A most valuable book and completely necessary for every student of magic."-John Mulholland, editor THE SPRINX