Magic Is Dead: My Journey into the World's Most Secretive Society of Magicians

About seven years ago, I was supposed to interview Ricky Jay for his documentary Deceptive Practices: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay, and while the interview sadly never took place, I loved the documentary and became obsessed with card throwing, primarily, and card magic, secondarily. During some card-related internet/Twitter quest I came across this book, months before it was published, and was immediately intrigued. Thankfully, the book was just as great as I hoped it would be, but in ways I did not expect. What I did expect was some fascinating tales from his time with these innovative magicians, and I got those in spades, but what I wasn't expecting was the heartfelt tales about Ian's family, his father who died too soon and his amazing mother. The book comes together in a very unique way, equally influenced and inspired by non-fiction works as fictional (even cinematic works). As a freelance journalist myself who knows far too well about the financial struggles of this line of work, it was always compelling to see where this journey would take Ian, at ever turn of the page... and card.

This book is, to me, fascinating. To read a first hand account of not just the growth of the artistry of current presentations of magic, but what compelled the people most singularly involved in bringing together a varied assortment of people who don’t just perform and create illusions, it’s what drove them to break away from nearly a century of staid traditions and redefine what makes the art so enduringly captivating. Having a journalist who hasn’t just reported but became a co-conspirator of sorts within a highly select group of creative minds from nearly every continent pushing, and some instances, shattering what had come to be almost expected of performers and realizing they were ultimately hacking away old ideas and perceptions to create the room for new dynamic growth. In doing so the architects and more revealingly the author found the roots of all ideas to not be so very different from what had driven the creativity of the last century. Admittedly I am just as enthralled by knowing the mechanics of a sleight but far more impressed by the dexterity with which it is handled. Be it Dai Vernon, Ricky Jay or Richard Turner, the countless people who have quite literally devoted themselves to a singular idea of perfection and occasionally achieved it consistently astound me completely. This reportage is not a ‘how they do it’. It’s the fundamentals of why. This is a fantastic read. Interest in a broad view of the complex history is touched on but this is more about the author’s acceptance and involvement with a highly selective club of brilliant, imaginative minds. Buy it because the title caught your attention. Read it because it’s a great book.

I love magic books and books about magic, so when this one popped up on my Amazon recommendations it was an easy decision. It's a memoir of a journalist reporting on magic who becomes obsessed with the art, eventually becoming a magician himself and publishing his own trick. I liked the introduction to the 'new breed' of magic. I started following magic 20 years ago and still favor reading the classics, but this really made me interested in learning more about some of the new creators out there. The stories about different tricks he witnessed, and even the how-to's, were all really well done. Also, the author did a great job of weaving his personal life story into this work, and all of the personal pieces were some of the best writing. However, I didn't like a few things about this. The most jarring example is that the dialogue came across as very unnatural at times. Can't put my finger on exactly why, but it was enough to distract from the story. It sounded like someone trying to recall a conversation and just not quite nailing it. I also didn't like the way the book was marketed or the subtitle. Secret society feels like a stretch. the52 was a central part of the book, but I felt like it should have been a side note compared to everything else going on. Last, I can't imagine that someone who doesn't already really like magic would like this. It's not a great start for the general public. Good book if you already love magic, probably not the best one to start with if you don't. One book that I think bridged that gap well and still told an interesting story was Alex Stone's Fooling Houdini if you are looking for a book to start with. Impressive story, author did a great job. Recommended if you like magic already.

I am not sure if I have ever read a non-fiction book this quickly. While I was already familiar with a few of the people already in the book, I found it to be a very in-depth look at the modern world of magic. It was very well written and the development of the author and the gonzo-esque journalism approach really captured my attention. It is a fantastic book and I would recommend it to anyone with at least a passing interest in magic.

After writing a somewhat critical review of Magic is Dead, I decided to amend my comments. This is not a book about magic, or the "new" magicians. This is a book about love, catharsis, and self-discovery. It's Mr. Frisch's therapeutic effort at dealing with his father's untimely death, and angst concerning his self-worth, success, and future. In that regard, the book is successful. In fact, the chapters about Mr. Frisch's personal life and history are the most interesting aspects of Magic is Dead. Regarding the52 and its members, it seems to me, Mr. Frisch was invited into the inner sanctum of this Gen Z and Millenial group of magicians as a guerilla marketing vehicle, and avenue to legitimizing the52 to a wider audience, which is somewhat disingenuous considering their professed rejection of old-school, traditional magic and magicians. Otherwise, it seemed too easy for the author to be so welcomed into the52. Mr. Frisch only scratches the surface of the lives of the magician's who he's reporting on, and this is the biggest flaw of the book, as it makes many of his subjects off-putting, rather than sympathetic or admirable. A deeper dive would have been welcomed. Mr. Frisch is successful at creating and marketing his own trick (with help from members of the52), which is commendable.

This book is fantastic, wether you are a fan of magic or not. Ian paints a vivid picture of this world he got rolled into and takes you with him every step of the way on this "adventure". Getting to know more about some of my favorite people in the Magic industry is just an added benefit. His writing is phenomenal- I don't remember the last time I laughed out loud reading. You feel all the things he wants you to feel- sadness, excitement, humor, accomplishment, ambition... It runs the gammit of the emotional spectrum in the best possible way. I HIGHLY recommend!

I had no idea what to expect, and an unusual twist in that the writer gets so immersed in his subject that he becomes part of the subject. It’s a magic trick In Itself - an expose of sorts transforms into an autobiography of sorts.

I really enjoyed this book, first of all im a magician ,but at any moment i read it with that in my mind, i was just a normal guy learning about something that to be honest i didnt even know about my own Job! Ian makes a awesome job to really take you to the events that happened, he lets you dig deep into his and some of the "52" lifes ! yoiu create a connection, you even get jealous about some of this guys! If you want a different Book that talksabout something completly new THIS IS THE ONE!

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Todo bien, ninguna queja.

I couldn't be happier with and for Ian Frish for this work of art! It was a beautifully told journey into the underground world of magic known only as #the52. I don't want to spoil any of Frish's work for those who have yet to read this beauty, but I will say this; if you have any interest in modern magic, as a performer or a spectator, this book is a must-read!

I stumbled into magic in 2000 with Ellusionist. I've also been a fan of Daniel Madison, Chris Ramsey and Laura London for years. This book us probably more enjoyable because I am NOT a magician and can go along for the ride rather than be a critic. I loved the way it's written and the journey the author goes on into magic. Also his description of a couple of tricks has peeked my interest to investigate them.

Astonishing journey into the world into modern magic. With many insight stories and historical anecdotes. It's absolutely worth reading when you're into magic and especially close-up magic.