"Beyond Deception" book by Tobias Beckwith
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In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

"Beyond Deception". a book by Tobias Beckwith, is quite simply one of the most important books to magical performers to date and deserves to take its rightful place among the works of Fitzkee, Waters, Sharpe, Ortiz, and others as a book that must be read by anyone who works in the field of magic entertainment.

I didn't know much about Beckwith before this. I knew he's Jeff McBride's manager and producer, and I'd seen his production of "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway. What I found out through "Beyond Deception" is that Beckwith, with a theatrical background and extensive work in the dramatic arts, is also one of magic's most daring philosophers, challenging us to make more of our magic and, in the process, become more than what we are.

"Beyond Deception" is almost a step-by-step guide for doing just that.

Beckwith begins things by explaining his theories on the creative process used by performers. This is not a regurgitation of how so-and-so does it (which can lead to no end of frustration) or an authoritative recitation of how it should be done (that becomes too old too quickly to be of any use), but it's a careful examination of what Beckwith has found working with some of the best performers in the business as he sees it. Coming from a theatrical and dramatic background, his theories are both refreshing and fascinating.

After his theories come the techniques for putting his theories into practice, as well as some exercises to work through. This is probably the most engaging piece of the Beckwith's work; it forces us to look into a mirror at times and see not the tricks we're doing but the tricks we could be doing. To me, this was the most entertaining part of the book, this whole "self-examination" stage. Some of the techniques brought about a chuckle or two, even as I was absorbing Beckwith's methods. Any book of theory that can do that is a treasure, and this one is.

As entertaining a read as "Beyond Deception" is, though, it's very much a workbook: it can't simply be read and absorbed and -- poof! -- you're creating better magic. This is a book that must be read, and followed, and thought about, and thought about again, and then put into practice. That's a lot of work -- a whole lot of work -- but it is worth every single second you put into it.

What do you get for all that work?

How about more original magic for starters?

We're not talking new methods here (we've got a lot of those floating around already); we're talking completely new effects, new presentations... new ideas, period. Things you didn't think of, or maybe things you didn't think would work, get free rein from Beckwith's thinking and the results can be incredible. Forget doing a trick the way others have done it ever again, and put the idea of doing something a hundred or a thousand others are doing; "Beyond Deception" helps you turn yourself loose from all of that.

Look, we're performers, right? As performers, we want to be as individual as we possibly can. We want to break out from the herd. If we are different, if that difference creates a better experience for those that watch us, then we're not just performing; we're out-performing, both others and ourselves and anybody in the business will tell you that's a colossal difference right there.

Beckwith's book helps us do all of that. It's inspirational at times, motivational at others, but in the end always practical and always rewarding.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It's a modern classic and must be, not only read, but devoured and put into practice. The magic you suddenly begin to create will make it all worthwhile.

"Beyond Deception" book by Tobias Beckwith
In a Blink: 10 Out of 10

Material: 10
Probably one of the most important books in magic to date, Beckwith examines and teaches techniques for creating original, unique magic almost from scratch. This is a workbook, something that must be read and followed and used, and when it is, the strength of your magic, the powerful connection with your audiences, will blow you away and make you wonder how you ever got along without Beckwith's knowledge.

Quality: 10
Beckwith's style is perfect for this kind of book: orderly, calculatingly thorough, and yet still a fun read. This is a book that is hard to put down.

Illustrations: 10
There are a number of black-and-white photos and line drawings to convey Beckwith's ideas and they work wonderfully.

Presentation: n/a
This isn't a book of presentations, it's a book about finding your own.


Shane