Vanishing Inc.
One of the most coveted two-book collections has finally made its triumphant return.
Back in 2018, Jamy Ian Swiss teamed up with Magicana to unleash The Magic of Johnny Thompson. This extraordinary two-book set was so highly anticipated it could have had its own fan club, offering a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of one of magic's true legends. Both printings vanished quicker than a rabbit in a top hat, making it a must-have for magicians and collectors alike.
"We have been fans of Johnny Thompson for more than forty years. He has helped create and refine virtually every branch of our stage and television work."
- Penn & Teller
After Johnny's passing in 2019, many feared this gem would be lost to the ages. But fear not! Thanks to Vanishing Inc., magicians and collectors around the globe can once again dive into this groundbreaking collection. As part of its acquisition of Magicana's publishing wizardry, Vanishing Inc. has brought back some of magic's most cherished texts—including The Magic of Johnny Thompson.
Johnny Thompson was (and still is) one of the most respected minds in magic. His illustrious career spanned every corner of the magic world—from pioneering trade show performances to leaving audiences slack-jawed as a bar magician, stunning illusionist, and even a captivating mentalist. His most notable fame? That would be his larger-than-life stage persona, The Great Tomsoni & Co., along with his remarkable contributions to TV magic as a highly sought-after consultant. Seriously, the man did it all.
Writing a tome of this calibre isn’t a walk in the park. Thankfully, the task fell into the capable hands of master magician and esteemed author Jamy Ian Swiss. Across nearly 700 pages of The Magic of Johnny Thompson, Jamy painstakingly reveals the real secrets behind seventy-eight of Johnny's most adored routines; think The Cups & Balls, The Balls in the Net, The Egg Bag and The Gambler's Ballad.
You’ll also discover previously unpublished goodies from some of Johnny's esteemed peers and mentors like Dai Vernon, Ed Marlo, and Harry Riser. Plus, there are extended chapters dedicated to the close-up magic of Charlie Miller and Max Malini. And let’s not forget the deep dive into The Great Tomsoni & Co.'s legendary dove and silk magic, complete with a comprehensive essay on developing a dove act (because you need a plan, right?). If you enjoy this level of detail, you’ll absolutely revel in the full exploration of Johnny Thompson's Trade Show Act, featuring his impossible $100 Dollar Prediction and even a complete script.
All of this and more is housed in a handsome two-volume slipcase set. We’re talking over 660 pages and nearly 1,100 photographs, folks! The forewords and introductions are nothing short of stellar, featuring insights from Jamy Ian Swiss, Teller, Lance Burton, and Levent.
The Magic of Johnny Thompson is everything you’d expect—and then some—from one of magic's true luminaries. Vanishing Inc. has done a cracking job ensuring this edition is reproduced with the same top-notch quality you’d expect from both them and Magicana. This is destined to be a standout in your library, and it’s the sort of book set you’ll find yourself revisiting time and again for years to come. Grab your copy now before they disappear again!
The Magic of Johnny Thompson Details
- Two hardcover books
- Slip cased set
- 12.5" x 9.25" x 2.75" (31.75 x 23.5 x 7 cm)
- 78 routines
- 663 pages
- Both classic and unpublished material included
- Nearly 1,100 photographs
- Authored by Jamy Ian Swiss
- Printed by Vanishing Inc.
Please Note: The material in this second edition is identical to the first edition. The only changes are that this second version is not signed, and the spine is now adorned with the signature Vanishing Inc. logo.
