Written by Stephen Minch, this gem of a book, Carneycopia, dives headfirst into the dazzling world of John Carney, a close-up magician who’s basically a legend (and not just because he collects awards like they're Pokémon cards). Overflowing with an impressive mix of tricks and methods, it offers useful insights into Carney's masterful grasp of psychology and showmanship—because let's face it, you can't just wave a wand and expect magic to happen!
John Carney is a performer with a reputation that precedes him, boasting more accolades from the Magic Castle in Hollywood than anyone else, dead or alive (seriously, check the stats). He’s even snagged the Performing Masters Fellowship from the Academy of Magical Arts and made appearances on TV, including the Late Show with David Letterman and Seinfeld’s HBO Special. The wisdom and tactics shared in Carneycopia are hard-earned lessons from a magician who knows his stuff.
This book is crammed with a wildly varied selection of tricks and routines, each polished to perfection and guaranteed to tickle your fancy (and your audience’s). Carney’s creations often centre around strong visual moments or hooks that make you go, “Blimey, how did he do that?” Plus, his methods are practical enough to be your go-to workhorses when you really want to impress. With over 40 items presented in Stephen Minch’s famously clear and concise style, and illustrated with more than a hundred drawings, the material is as accessible as it is entertaining (though some tricks may require a bit more elbow grease than others, trust me, it’s worth it).
If you're keen on crafting a repertoire of powerful, engaging magic from one of the best in the biz, or simply want to soak up the performance philosophy of a top-tier talent, Carneycopia is the book you didn’t know you needed.
