The Art of Astonishment by Joel Dickinson

Effect

The Art of Astonishment is a collection of magic tricks and routines designed to create powerful, memorable experiences for audiences. The effects range from visual transformations and impossible restorations to psychological illusions that challenge perception. For example, a signed card torn and discarded earlier in a performance reappears in an impossible location, or a borrowed ring undergoes a series of impossible vanishes and reappearances. The magic is designed to feel organic, engaging, and deeply personal, often leaving spectators questioning reality.

Full Details

The Art of Astonishment is a trilogy of books by Paul Harris, filled with innovative magic tricks, routines, and performance theory. It covers a wide variety of effects, including close-up magic, mentalism, and visual transformations. Some standout routines include:

• The Shape of Astonishment: A coin is pressed into tin foil, leaving an impression that mysteriously transposes to the other side.
• Divorce (by Justin Miller): A borrowed ring and coin interact in impossible ways, with phases that build to a strong climax.
• Educated Matchbox: A matchbox appears to animate, following commands and performing tricks on its own.

The material emphasizes creativity, audience connection, and the use of everyday objects to create astonishment.

Who Should Consider the Trick

This collection is ideal for magicians who:

• Enjoy improvisational and interactive magic that adapts to different audiences.
• Want to expand their repertoire with strong, well-structured routines.
• Appreciate psychological subtleties and visual transformations.
• Are looking for classic effects with modern twists, such as the linking rings or cups and balls reimagined.

Difficulty Level

The difficulty varies by routine:

• Beginner-friendly: Some tricks, like basic sponge ball routines or simple coin vanishes, are easy to learn and perform.
• Intermediate to Advanced: Effects like the educated matchbox or complex rope routines require practice to master timing and misdirection.
• Performance-heavy: Many routines rely on presentation and audience management rather than complex sleight of hand.

As Joel Dickinson notes, "Magic is exceptionally easy to learn—the ultimate skill is presenting it." The real challenge lies in making the effects feel organic and engaging.

What Magicians Say

• Joel Dickinson (Magic Creator & Performer):
  • "The Art of Astonishment is still the pinnacle of magic. The plots are well thought out, with a huge dynamic range—from mental ideas to close-up tricks with psychological touches."
  • "Routines like Divorce by Justin Miller are perfect—structured, strong, and adaptable."
• AlakazamMagicUK (Reviewer):
  • "Joel’s approach to classic effects, like his chop cup routine with a signed card callback, shows how traditional magic can feel fresh and personal."
• General Consensus:
  • The material is highly creative, encouraging magicians to develop their own presentations rather than copying others.
  • Many effects are versatile, working in close-up, parlor, and stage settings.
  • The books are a goldmine for inspiration, even for experienced performers.

The Art of Astonishment is more than just a collection of tricks—it’s a masterclass in making magic feel astonishing, personal, and impossible.