Pop-Up Magic marks the debut offering from Eric Leblon, a French magician with charisma to spare and an energy that could light up a football pitch. Teaming up with Yvan Laplaud, this book is a treasure trove, packing over twenty years of experience, fieldwork, and an unquenchable passion for magic into one neat package.
This isn’t just a manual; it’s a mash-up of practical handbook, thoughtful essay, and personal memoir. Pop-Up Magic manages to keep a surprising coherence amidst its eclectic mix of topics: card tricks, stage acts, animal antics, visual illusions, spectator psychology, character crafting, and philosophical musings on performance.
More than your average trick compilation, this book is a heartfelt ode to the craft. It serves up ready-to-go routines alongside meaty insights on rehearsal, stage presence, and the creative grind.
The magic in Pop-Up Magic is visual, commercial, and downright powerful:
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Impossible locations: signed cards popping up in the shoe, inside or beneath the card case, all thanks to some deceptively simple loading techniques.
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Instant transformations: a card switch under the watch, a pristine Ace change - smooth, straightforward, and gimmick-free.
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Animal productions: dove appearances and poetic transformations (egg? dove).
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Multi-phase routines: escalating effects with a bit of dramatic flair (e.g., Box Phénomène).
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Magic for close-up, parlor, or stage: all tested in the wild (restaurants, cabarets, TV, you name it).
These effects hit home because of their apparent simplicity, efficiency, and the feels they evoke. They rely on psychology, rhythm, and timing, rather than gimmicks or mechanical nonsense.
Pop-Up Magic is a rare find — practical, inspiring, and refreshingly human. Eric Leblon opens up his world with honesty and generosity, presenting hard-hitting effects, sharp insights, and a vision of magic that transcends mere technique.
A must-read. This isn't just another magic book; it’s an artistic launching pad.
Table of ContentsForeword by Jean-Jacques SanvertA heartfelt tribute to Eric Leblon, praising the power, intelligence, and emotional depth of his magic.
Autobiographical ChapterAn intimate peek into Eric's journey: from street performing in Antibes to TV appearances, key encounters, setbacks, and his rise to becoming a well-respected pro.
Theoretical Essay - "Choosing Your Effects" A foundational piece on selecting material based on personality, impact, clarity, and commercial viability.
Practical RoutinesCard to Shoe - A signed card makes a dramatic appearance inside the magician's shoe. Simple, direct, and devastating.
Watch Load / Watch Change - A chosen card visibly transforms under the magician's watch - without any complicated sleights.
Tempest Under an Ace - A dynamic, eye-popping four-Ace routine that combines technique, visuals, and surprise - centred around the signature "watch change."
Dove in the Sleeve - A dove magically appears from a borrowed jacket, using just a Topit and some nifty body mechanics.
Egg to Dove - A poetic transformation of an egg into a dove inside a spectator's sleeve.
Card to / under the Case - Two powerful loading techniques to send a signed card into or under the case - with plenty of applications.
Box Phenomenon - A theatrical, comedic routine where the signed card repeatedly appears under or inside the card case… until it ultimately replaces the entire deck. A mini-show in itself.
Rehearsal & Practice ChapterAn inspiring look at daily practice: procrastination, mirror work, mime, tempo, mindset... a sincere call for personal discipline.
Highlights
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Original, hard-hitting material honed over 20+ years of live performance.
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Strong theoretical insights on effect selection, character, coherence, and audience engagement.
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Clear, progressive teaching with detailed descriptions, photos, and performance tips.
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Adaptable routines for close-up, parlor, and stage settings.
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A deeply human voice: Eric shares doubts, failures, breakthroughs, and his infectious passion.
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A rare combination of practice, theory, and inspiration: a true resource for the performing magician.
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And if you ask me: 'And the book?'-the book is like him. It simply is what he is: brilliant and generous, filled with real professional material that has been tested, refined, and perfected with spectators for months-sometimes years. Once again, Éric gives everything: beautiful original routines with details, subtleties, and working methods. Now it's your turn to discover, enjoy, practice, and infuse these routines with your own heart and imagination to turn them into your show. Bravo, Éric."
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Bernard Bilis"
I highly, highly recommend Éric Leblon's book. Éric is technically astonishing and a true perfectionist. If you've seen him work, you already know. If not, buy this book-you'll thank me later!"
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Etienne Pradier"
Burn this guy! Despite all the interest I have in my fellow magicians, it is extremely rare for me to actually look forward to the release of a magic book. But Éric's is the exception-I admit I can't wait to dive into all the subtleties that make his magic so pure... and that have been fooling me for years!"
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David Stone
