The Boy Who Cried Magic

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Andi GladwinThe Boy Who Cried Magic

The Boy Who Cried Magic is a perfect magic book, written by the best writer in magic. The tricks are world-class performance pieces, and the book itself is stunning. Every magician should own it!— Dynamo

Over the last decade, Andi Gladwin has helped produce more than a hundred magic books. Despite continued promises to one day produce a book of his own, that dream never came true ... until now.

That's right. It's finally Andi's turn. And since he hates talking about himself, we'll do it for him.

The Boy Who Cried Magicis a rare magic book with zero compromises. In all there are sixteen routines and fifteen new sleights. You'll learn Andi's highly sought-after magician foolers, as well as his complete professional card act. Plus, he goes in depth on some of his most enduring moves, including the Master Pushoff and Undo Cut which are in use by some of the world's finest magicians.

Without question The Boy Who Cried Magicis the most gorgeous book we've ever produced. From the photos to the premium glossy paper to the pragmatic layout and stunning slip case, the production values on this project set a sterling new standard in the industry. It exudes a style and quality that is rarely seen in magic.

In addition to everything being explained in precise detail across the more than 250 pages and 240 high-resolution photos within this gorgeous hardcover book, you'll also receive access to performance videos of every routine.

A Book of Performance Pieces

For the first time ever, Andi offers you an exclusive look at his complete walkaround and stand-up card magic set. Focusing on clear-cut construction and fun presentations, the 16 routines in this book are the result of a lifetime of crafting and perfecting magic through real-world performances in almost every environment imaginable.

Included in The Boy Who Cried Magicis Andi's “Fireworks” routine, a mind-boggling burst of 12 rapid-fire magic moments, as well as how to make four Jacks vanish and reappear inside a wine glass and a thought-of cards across routine that plays so big it can be used in a theater without any projection.

There's truly something for everyone from his commercial “Whack Your Phone” effect to his “Perfect Order” Triumph routine in which the audience actually helps you mix the cards. As a lifelong student of card magic, Andi, of course, also includes a ton of material for the sleight of hand specialists including “Ghost”, the cleanest and most direct Sandwich effect we've ever published and his wonderfully unique take on the classic Call to the Colors plot known as “Red Black to the Future”.

Combine this with an astonishing 15 new sleight of hand techniques such as his full work on the Master Pushoff, new moves such as the UnDo Cut (which both Joshua Jay and Luke Jermay have said to be the best false cut available), the Undo Shuffle, and his version of the Braue Popup (which is destined to become your new favorite Ambitious Card ending), and you have a book that should be on the shelf of every card magician.

Decorative divider

Our Most Beautiful Deluxe Edition Yet

For the most avid collectors, we produced a limited edition Deluxe Version that comes wrapped in an exclusive box with a signed and numbered bookplate and two decks of the stunning The Boy Who Cried Magic cards.

This set was limited to just 300 copies, and sold out within 72 hours. The deluxe set is no longer available.

Boy Who Cried Magic

How we Made The Boy Who Cried Magic

Includes performances of every trick in the book

Words from the Wise

"One of the most beautifully-designed magic books in recent memory. It looks and feels like something you'd find in an art bookstore. As for the magic, Andi Gladwin's Undo Cut is a highly deceptive false cut that is going straight into my act."—Steve Cohen
"A book filled with crystal clear descriptions and illustrations for powerful, commercial magic, and practical ingenious ideas."—Paul Wilson
"A stunningly produced book. Chock full of well thought-out and impactful card magic."—Ben Harris
"The Boy Who Cried Magic is a beautiful book, both inside and out."—Jim Krenz
"One of those books that you can flip to any page and find something practical, amazing, and polished to perfection."—Harapan Ong
"The effects are direct, well constructed and very fooling. This collection highlights Andi’s ability to create streamlined compositions without compromising the impact and amazement for the audience. It is a robust, mature and hugely valuable collection of professional performance pieces that I highly recommend."—Luke Jermay
"From the inside out, this book is beauty squared. Developed over years of meticulous labour, it is packed with a rare potency. Whether you’re reading the trick, method or theory, an extensive pursuit of excellence is revealed on every page."—Ollie Mealing
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Customer reviews for The Boy Who Cried Magic

Edmund
I bought an early copy at Magi-Fest. This is a great book full of very usable material and some sage advice.

Great job Andi.
Stuart
Just received the Deluxe edition and it’s simply beautiful.
I can’t wait to read it.
Jeff
Purchased the deluxe addition and couldn't be any happier. Quality is above and beyond anything I have purchased before. Thank you Vanishing Inc & especially Andi for the amazing gift before Christmas!
Mark
This is a quickie review--I received the book as a Christmas present, and I so have not yet opened it.

That having been said...I have watched every "play video" segment it comes with, and I feel confident saying this: anyone with an interest in close-up magic would be insane not to buy this book. It's that simple.

Picking a trick at random--watch "Castle Jacks" and tell me: do you have any idea how it was done? Can you think of a way you could improve it? More importantly--don't you want to perform it?

In addition to tricks, there are some really great moves. Two finesses I really like are his handlings of the Braue "pop-up" move and the Tilt. His pop-up occurs from an absolutely flat palm--think about that for a moment. As for his "Convincing Tilt": well, it's the most convincing Tilt I've ever seen. It's really beautiful, too.

I'm going to write a more complete review after I've had some time to work on the material. For now...I said I'd wait until Christmas to open the book. I don't want Santa to get honked off at me--but this is going to be one LONG wait.

David A
I got the Deluxe Edition, and WOW!! This is the most gorgeous book edition I have ever seen. Started reading through some of the effects and I cannot wait to work on these. The only problem I have is which effect do I start with first? Thanks Andi, this book is Amazing!! In looks and content.
Peter
If I could I would give this an excellent plus rating..beautifully written and the deluxe version comes beautifully presented...that's why I purchased two...this is sure to become a very very sought after magic book in the years to come...to all out there ..get in now, you won't be disappointed...oh by the way the tricks are great as well.
Arthur Alexander
This is honestly the nicest magic book of my collection. I just finished reading it the first time through (always read it cover to cover first) and I can't wait to go through these in detail. There are so many great tricks in this book, you won't know where to start. As usual, well done Vanishing Inc. and congrats Andi for finally publishing your own killer magic book!
Rick
A must buy. Nuff said.
Darren
Where to begin with this book. The content is some of the best I have ever read. You can really tell that this book has been created by someone with a true passion of the craft. Every bit of material is strong and there is no filler as you sometimes find with books on Magic. The book is so easy to read and get throughout that I have read it cover to cover and then have went back to specific sections again and again to re-read and practice.

Beyond the content the book itself is stunning. It really stands out of the shelf and is definitely the best looking book I own!
James
This book is amazing. The best material isn’t exactly easy, I’ve spent hours and hours for weeks working to perfect moves like the master push off. And I’ve loved every minute of it. The material in this book is well crafted, simple, direct, and powerful magic. 10/10
Martin
Great mix of reworking some close up card favorites and new effects destined to become classics. Particularly enjoy Whack Your Phone, Pocket Mule and Thought Experiment. Clear description of the Master Push off – while it will take more practice, it will eventually be worth the effort. Top notch production and photos, clearly written.
Chris
Often I struggle reading text and translating that to what a trick is supposed to look like. Even though this video doesn't explain the cull shuffle, it really helps me see how it is supposed to look when performed.
Chris
A beautiful book that is easy to read. I also love that they included the videos to see what things should look like. I am, however, not a fan of the super glossy pages. I think that there are other nicely produced books with nice paper that handle easier than full gloss paper. Overall I am very happy though.
David
Epic! Andi has really revealed his working repertoire. It has to be?! Magic this good cannot be one off routines that he kind of knows about doing. Not only is this filled with treasures, the production value of this book makes it collector quality.
Mark
Great book and video’s. I have only just started my magic journey at the age of 61 and have found some of the tricks and sleights impossible at the moment but this book is very inspiring. Monte Python is reasonably easy to do and is brilliant. I like the essay at the beginning. Well done Andi.
Grégory
Very Nice, And interresting. And love the combination book and videos -
Samuel
Buying this book should be a no-brainer for the card magician. Andi's writing is clear and the photos are beautiful as well as very helpful. The work includes not only routines (really good routines with great presentation angles), but also some of Andi's own moves which are also explained very well.
I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with the purchase of this work. Unlike so much of what is put out these days (a trick of the week that one wonders how often it has been done "in the wild") this is a collection of pieces that (it is clear from the descriptions) Andi has performed many, many times. These are not crazy ideas that might work on Tuesday if the light is right and all the spectators close one eye, they are real-world routines that have been tested and refined.
Like all VI books, it is not only great information, but a beauty to behold. I know that some of you don't care about the printing, the clam-shell case, or the clear type-face, but many do. This will not disappoint either from an aesthetic or a content viewpoint.
Just get it! Otherwise you run the risk of paying much more on Ebay and kicking yourself for not purchasing it now.
Matt
I was a very lucky enough person to get the deluxe edition of this. It is one of the best deluxe sets I have in my library. Gorgeous fabric choices, I love the way it folds out and the book has its own slide in cover INSIDE THE BOX?! Not to mention 2 decks of Andi's cards. The ideas and routines in this book have such a huge punch and strong effect and yet learning them has felt pretty darn easy. It truly feels like Andi spent the time to trim the fat and unnecessary things from each explanation. The added video content for all of the pieces also REALLY help with figuring out all the how to's and monkey moves. Now to continue practicing the Master Push Off some more! :-P
Jonathan
The Boy Who Cried Magic is a masterpiece. Expertly written by an extraordinary magician with a clear voice and an obsessive passion for magic, this book contains beautiful routines and astonishing effects. No question, this one is a must have book.
Jerry
Many thanks to Andi for generously demonstrating sleights and effects from his excellent "Boy Who Cried Magic," and for going over the fine points in detail... Special kudos for going the extra mile by patiently responding to questions from book purchasers with thorough explanations... A real treat for all... I'm especially pleased because I wasn't able to make the live session, which was supposed to be a one-off, so I'm delighted that it was recorded and archived after all... I'm sure I'll be referring to it again... Much appreciated!...
Jimmy
I got the Deluxe Edition from Vanishing INC. Overall, the book is really well made and written by Andi.
Great card tricks from Andi repertoire. I would say the book is recommended for intermediate level for magicians. However, there is a trick for everyone from beginner to expert level.

The book is easy to read with a lot of pictures in color if you need images to follow. Also, the product includes videos performances of every trick in the book. You can see the tricks are practical to do in front of an real audiences.

My favorites tricks are "Ghost" for a quicky trick, "Aura" for magician's fooler and "Fireworks" for his visual aspect. I would highly recommend this book to all card magician and book lover to put it on their magic library.
Matt
What a beautiful book. From the design to the layout, photography and style,everything is top notch. The contents of course are what really matters and they also will not disappoint. I've already learned and have been using "Fireworks" in my walk around shows to great success. If you love card magic and beautiful books you won't be disappointed in "The Boy Who Cried Magic".
Daniel
Ok so I haven't actually received this book yet but I went I to the downloads section on my account and to my surprise there wasn't just a single video of the tricks being demonstrated but each trick has its own video which is really nice and even a live lecture based on the book done over Zoom last month.

I am currently watching this Lecture and it's truly amazing and shows how much these guys care about making sure we can learn this stuff well and are really giving back to the magic community.

Thanks all at V Inc this is amazing!



David
Love the video performances of everything in the book. It really helps me see what the performance is supposed to look like.
Robert
The Book exceeded my expectations ! I feel Andi wanted to make sure the book was a great value and he made extra sure by paying attention to detail. So many things like clear pictures, easy to navigate layout, solid material for different types of magicians and on top of it all is that the Book is well made ! I almost forgot to mention the videos that come with the Book to further help with the experience. Thanks Andi !
Gary
Great Book! Lots of workers in this one! Great Job Andi!
Gonzalo
Andi has definitely put a lot of work into this book, the attention to detail is impressive. The colored pictures are beautiful. I really enjoyed the opening section of the book. The tricks are performance ready, vanishing inc realy did an awesome job with this one. You will not regret getting this book, even if you do not use the tricks in is a beautifull book to have on your shelf.
Neil
I’ve had this book since release and absolutely love it. There is something for everyone from beginner to sleight of hand ninja!! Andi and the VI team really pulled out all the stops with the design, explanations, photos and performance videos. Highly recommended.
Brian
Took me long enough to buy it and then even longer to read it but man I'm glad I did. Definitely worth the price. The book itself is very nice in terms of pictures and layout. The skill levels for the routines will very from easy to advanced so be prepared to work on some of the material. I assume I will be working on the Master Push Off for the next 8-10 years but that's not the teaching, that's my stupid hands. It's kind of the perfect project for someone like me who needs to learn something 12 different ways for things to make sense. Good written explanation (and motivation) pictures and video performances.
Aaron
When I ordered the book, I watched the videos endlessly. Each trick and sleight was so amazingly well done that in my several years of experience with magic, I could not for the life of me figure out how he was doing it. Then, I cracked open the book (came in pretty quick too), I was MIND BLOWN by the creativity and well thought out psychology behind everything. Do yourself a favor, my friends... Get. This. Book. Today. Don't hesitate.
Ferdian
Having a performance recorded alongside reading the more detailed explanations from the book definitely helps a lot, especially to focus on the timing & surroundings instead of the trick itself. Thank you for this!
Nathan
This is such a great resource for magicians and performers alike. A fine example of skill. A must watch for any one looking to extend their magical toolbox or just widen their understanding fo this topic. You should not be dissapointed with this download at all.
Mohammad Zubair
I noticed that no one mentioned this, but the downloadable performance videos are amazing.

The book quality is great and doesn't appear like a standard edition. Screams of quality from the word go .. the book cover, photographs, paper quality and also the tricks taught in the book. Absolutely no fillers.

Tricks are explained in an easy to understand fashion with great detailed photographs.
Gary
I love my magic books and this is one of the best books to be released in my opinion for a long time not surprisingly as it is Andi Gladwin the book it self is exquisite and the tricks are of the highest quality. I love Aura and ghost and his undo shuffle looks completely fair, this is a book that should be in every magicians library I recommend that you purchase this book because you wont be disappointed.
Nicholas
This is one of my favourite books. The effects are well explained and the videos help with parts where you may be struggling. This is a book you will grow into. The effects are of varying difficulty but achievable with practice. This is what I like about books, they are a journey you can enjoy wherever and whenever you choose. I recommend this for all magicians with an interest in card magic.
Simon
It's such a great idea to have these videos available - I love magic books, but often struggle to picture what the tricks look like in practice and, like Andi says in this video, the timing of them. These videos are a perfect addition!
minjun
great this book with the videos
Yohann
5/5 on this one.
A book I'll read and read again over the years. This is exactly the kind of card magic I imagine when if think about creating and presenting my card tricks. A lot of great ideas are contained whithin these pages. Just after one read, I improved three of my long time personal routines and learn two tricks I now perform regularly.
My book of the year 2021.
Johannes
What a great book from Andi Gladwin and worth the hype! The tricks are very usable, well explained and very easy to follow. The master pushoff itself worth the book itself! The video is also very good bonus which I would like to see more added in magic book purchases. Very devious. Wonderful book.
Franz
Great easy starter trick. Enjoyed doing this one already a few times. Helps get more double lift practice
Jack
This book really is amazing, containing really strong effects and written in a very reader friendly way. I love all of Andi's work and this was a no brainer for me, and a lot immediately going into my working repertoire. The quality of the book is another level and actually really like the size of the book despite some people disagreeing. Very pleased that it comes in a case which looks amazing on the shelf! Thank you for releasing an amazing book containing your best work :)
Owen
Beautiful book. High quality paper. Clear instructions. Perfectly photographed. Well credited. This book will last me for years as I study and reread it for ideas and inspiration.

I should note that this should NOT be the first book for a beginning magician. References to Erdnase and others will not make much sense to a person who has never read another magic book.
Greg
Books are great! And the material is excellent at teaching and inspiring us to create effects. -Greg
Christopher
This is the most beautiful and well-made magic book I've ever laid eyes on! That being said, the contents are even more beautiful! The book is the clearest magic instruction I have ever read. The photos and videos make it even more clear! The effects run the gambit in the way of difficulty. To me, that's a very good selling point. I can not give this enough praise!
Thomas
Awesome! Grateful I purchased! Thank you Andi Gladwin. I LOVED "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC! It helped fill a void and an understanding of things that I have not thought about in over 50 years. I recently lost my wife of 30 years and serendipitously went to the place that I had my first LOVE -MAGIC! When I was a " BOY " magician and my mom leaving me all day - by myself at Al Flosso's place on 34th Street, up the creakety old steps on Saturday's until his passing--and Tannen's on Sunday's on 1540 B'way. It was a different era. When I received "THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC", your neatly packaged book, in it's beautiful book sleeve , a quality that I have come to "never expect less" than from any VANISHING ,INC. Then with the added bonus lectures eBook lectures personalize your strengths- which lie in your calm organized demeanor. Along with being a thoughtful, brilliant magician and strategist and advocate in support of magicians and students of magic , of all ages. Knowing the subtext of any anticipated ‘speed bumps” that learning an effect is only just the tip of the 'tale'. Knowing, “if you don’t kick, you can’t score”. After working in the film industry for 40 years and academia for 17 years I have become a little skeptical of the intention-behind-the-intention of so many of us. Not with you what I gleamed from my first pass of THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC ( book and eLectures). You have been the “real deal”, up-front and constantly addressing the 'meaning, behind the meaning'. From the moment I cracked opened the book and your “dogged-ear” persistence , care of students and your enthusiasm for what "makes things work out”, all wrapped into your personal blend of knowledge, intensity, and skillsets, is what makes what I call you a Producer with a capital "P", in my previous career. But in this case, in , an “A” for a stellar scholar or "A"cademic of magic--and well, back to “P”, but squared “P2” Producer & Professor. Good producing and performance is all about cracking through the social veneer, actually seeing what's there in front of you, knowing how to expedite the procedures/processes/barriers (and there's tons of them- “jump the shark”) to actually get the process in motion, then keep all 'the show on the road'. Inform all the processes/procedures to actually realize the program/change/departmental challenges. It takes Intensity, Knowledge, Persistence, and most of all a huge affinity for the people . You and THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC have all these attributes and qualities- rolled in a "class product". I cannot recommend THE BOY WHO CRIED MAGIC, more HIGHLY. Or any product VANISHING , INC rolls out. I have never been disappointed
Clark
Beautiful book! It cries out to be read. The subjects and effects are well worth the price of this beauty! I can't imagine anyone regretting their purchase this book. Preforming the stuff here will mark you as true magician. Don't have the time to preform the routines? Get the book anyway and display it prominently on your shelf. Any of your friends who pick it up and flip through it's pages will still THINK you're a real magician.
David
This is high quality sleights and tricks contained in an extremely high quality, very well put together book. I am proud to own this book and I will treasure it forever!
Jeff
Just received the book this afternoon.
Can’t seem to put it down.
This is a wonderful addition to my library and repertoire.
Thank You Muchly!
James
I have been toying around with the idea of getting this book after watching Andi lecture. I wish I had taken the plunge earlier! There is so much wonderful material in this book. The layout is super easy and pleasant to read as well. I love this book.
Greg
This book is really special. Firstly it feels like I am sitting with Andi and having a conversation with him. The writing is clear and the instructions are easy to follow. The best part are the accompanying videos, which really assist especially when I am struggling with understanding a move or part of the routine.

The design of the book is classy and I love the vibrant colours. The pictures are crisp and clear and I love the mixture of sleight of hand, close up and stage magic. Most are within reach of the intermediate card performer with elements for the beginner and certainly looks after the expert card shark. Always something to learn. Thanks Andi!
Stephen
Andi Gladwin has written and produced a beautiful book on some powerful card magic. The book itself is visually stunning. A hard cover book with a bright red textured fabric, a protective shell that the book slides into, an attached ribbon bookmark, glossy color photos throughout. It all looks more expensive than the $50 price. Now that that's out of the way, Andi has included several great routines with some unique methods. These are professional level routines that are well thought out and not merely some interesting ideas that were dusted off and put in a book. Additionally, there are interesting moves and false shuffles that are gold. And to top it all off, Andi has videos available of the performance of each routine as well as demonstrations of each move covered in the book. Well done!
Greg
I love that there are accompanying videos. It makes the explanaitions much easier to understand, not that they aren't well written and described to begin with. But the visual aids do help.

Great content and a book I am proud to own on my shelf.
Lucas
I think this is the most beautiful book I have ever purchased from Vanishing Inc. It's beautifully printed with colour photographs. And within the book, you get Andi's working repertoire. A treasure trove of magic which includes his incredible master pushoff. Absolutely stunning.
Gerhard
This book is just brilliant, its pretty much one of my favourites. Andi is one of my favourite magicians, I really like is presentation style. Its all about the magic, not long convoluted drawn out effects. Every trick is in book is magical. They are certainly not for the beginner. There is so much to learn here. The print quality of the book is really nice and the hard dust cover is such a nice touch. Andi knocked this one out of the park.
Joonseo
The book is so beautiful .......
I love it
Zachary
Super excited for this book to be delivered. Firstly, the value you receive from some of these books is far greater than what you would normally receive for the same money buying individual tricks. The kicker (of which I was unaware at purchase) is that there are recordings for each of the effects/slights that were made accessible upon purchase. It is a nice resource to have along with the book itself. I already know my first to be learned from here will be the Triumph variation. Great stuff!
Skye
Again, Vanishing Inc knocks it out of the park on the production side of things; this is a gorgeous book, with a design and slipcase that makes even the standard printing feel like a collector's piece. You'll be happy to have this on your shelf.

But it's what's inside that counts, and thankfully, The Boy Who Cried Magic delivers on that front as well. There are some strong and streamlined pieces in here, both for more formal stand-up situations and casual walkaround settings - Monte Python readily entered my go-to repertoire and is one of the only Monte effects I will use.

Be forewarned, though: a solid chunk of the material in this book is certainly not easy. Numerous effects are reliant on Andi's Master Push-Off, which is described in detail but will take some seriously dedicated work to bring to performance-level readiness. Without the Master Push-Off, there are a few pieces here that will either be unusable or need to be modified, potentially to their detriment.

However, while multiple pieces are what I'd categorize as advanced, there's still plenty of material here well within the grasp of the intermediate card technician. If you love card magic, you won't be disappointed by this book.
Raciel
I am currently reading the book and checking out the routines. Some I have known such as ghost and Aura through passing. The fireworks routine,red black to the future and shuffle,cut, and stop and monte python are easily the ones i am drawn to.I can't wait to perform them
If for some reason you dont like any of the routines, Andi's master pushoff and undo cut easily worth it to add to your repertoire.
Maxime
It’s Amazing! Work for social media as well in street magic condition.
It’s easy to make and so fun to play with it !
Xavier
It was a good performance video and a great trick. I had a bit of an understanding explanation in the book, but still very good! An awesome take on triumph and a good ending. The video definitely helped show how it should look. Thanks Andi and vanishing Inc!
Xavier
This was an excellent book! It had detailed explanations and awesome effects ranging from quick thing you can do on the spot to full long routines!
Great book, definitely recommended.
Wyatt
This was an excellent purchase! I love the effects within the book, and how well the illustrations go with them.
My only (minor) complaints are:
- The “ScriptedBored” effect is just an alternate presentation for “Shuffle-Bored”, a Simon Aronson effect
- The two images explaining the Double Reverse Cull are all mirrored out of wack and as such make the move harder to learn
- The book intensively uses and thus requires prior knowledge of multiple sleights, including the cull, palm, and shift, for its knowledge to be fully applied
David
I think this routine has a lot of very interesting moments in it. Definitely worth studying
Wyatt
This book is incredible. The effects and sleights are very easily digestible, and the Master Pushoff is very useful. You need to use a lot of culling within these routines, however.
Desmond
The design of the book helps you to appreciate the quality of thought that has gone into the same. It is not simply a source of information, but a lovely object to hold and interact with. There is no filler in this book, it strikes me that Andi has thought over and used every detail in this book. There are, however, a few things that strike me as odd. (1) "Cut, Stop, Shuffle" is something I have received from Andi three times now. I think it was a bonus download some years ago, a bonus included with the "Multiple Revelation Project", and now it is in this book as well. I do not think it deserves a place along side the rest of the material. I have never tried it because it takes up a whole deck for one trick and I have never been comfortable with the method - for they cannot handle a key portion of the deck once its over. Nevertheless, perhaps Andi has been keen to share it so many times because he does preform it regularly. (2) I have not read through all the book, focusing on the parlor material so far, yet I have already spotted some typos. I would have thought at least two people would review the manuscript before printing, especially a project from one of the founders. I do not think this is an issue regarding quality of explanation, yet to have gone through the effort to include a cloth and card sleeve for the book, but not to have done a second review of the manuscript strikes me as odd. (3) Lastly, I was a little disappointed by Andi's reserve in the parlor section. "Supersonic" struck me as an effect I would incorporate into a show, but Andi does not indicate if he opens with this or, if not, how he gets into the order the deck needs for the trick. You can obviously cull, but what is your motivation? Do you get anything else out of this set-up before this trick or afterwards? Yes, we can all figure this out for ourselves, but Andi has obviously thought through all this and I would have really appreciated seeing how this can practically be incorporated into a show rather than having an abstract idea of what a good trick would be in the middle of a show. Further, Andi's "Scriptedbored" is not the explanation of a trick but just a presentation idea. Even if one may already have an explanation of "Shufflebored", I wanted to read Andi's experience-based tips for going through the procedure. He notes that he uses a handling from Lennart Green - did Lennart refuse to let Andi run through it in the book? Additionally the reference provided for Lennart's handling - "Rainman" - is to lectures notes you cannot purchase through Vanishing Inc. Yet the same handling seems to be included in the "Green Light" DVD which is available on Vanishing. But is this the same handling, is it worth the getting the DVD? Why did you hold out on us in the parlor section Andi?
Thomas
Andi Gladwin has put out some great material in this beautiful looking book. Definitely requires practice and time but well worth the patience, because the effects are smooth and practical. My only gripe is the book could be edited better as some pictures were incorrectly mirrored or labelled and some sentences weren't factually correct and needed that extra bit of proof reading, just to make sure the performer like me doesn't waste 10 mins working out how to do one small technique! All in all, a great purchase and one I will keep proudly and use.
Kane
Andi Gladwin is such a master at his craft. As someone interested in card magic I’m so happy with this book. The master pushoff is amazing even though it will take time to be proficient at. I love his effects and I love the way he teaches!
Seongguk
good
Alberto
coool
Brian
Andi Gladwin's book is exactly what I needed to add material my current show. So far Aura is going directly in! After Meeting Andi after is show, it is clear he has a true passion for card magic.
George
Incredibly entertaining
Steven
Andi Gladwin's "The Boy Who Cried Magic" is an excellent collection of card tricks and sleights that magicians of all levels can learn from. The tricks are explained very well, the pictures are clear, and the video performances help readers see exactly what things are supposed to look like. All in all, this book is well worth the price!

My only gripe is the slip case that it comes in. It's quite tight on the book, making it very hard to remove without needing to use force that can damage the spine. I'm not sure if that goes away over time, but I would be worried to keep it in the case at risk of potentially damaging the book itself when removing it...
Marcus
Having complementary video content alongside a book is incredibly valuable. For me, the combination of text and video is the most effective way to learn magic. Also, being able to watch performances or sleights beforehand helps structure how I approach and prioritize my reading time. Honestly, this format should become the new standard—especially when the material is great as it is in this beautiful book. Please continue future book releases using this format if possible.
Norbert
I remember I pre-ordered this book. This is gonna be an honest review, so as a start, if you're new to magic, forget about this book. There are great routines there, 100% however, what you will see in the included video material and what is written in the book are two different things. You're not going to be taught the full routine, rather a simpler version of it, which is sad. He refers to moves that you need to go and find yourself just so you can complete some routines, and sometimes there are references that have never been finished, such as "(see page )" (page 71), but there is no page included...

The included video material only shows the performance from the spectator's view, and if you have never held a deck of cards, the pictures in the book will confuse you even further. He refers to your index finger as your first finger, which was further confusing when he calls other fingers not numbered. The text of the routines assumes that you are at least on the intermediate level, and even then, it's puzzling sometimes as he explains the flow of the routine. Dude, I paid so I can understand and learn the tricks and routines, not to send me researching and have more value from those moves than his book. Altogether 4/10.
Brian
It’s important to admit when you’re wrong. I assumed Andi only pretended to be a magician so people wouldn’t notice his crippling Pog addiction. Turns out, he’s annoyingly excellent at this stuff.

This book opens with an insightful essay on Andi’s journey into close-up magic, followed by a collection of routines that actually hit hard. No filler. No self-indulgent “character pieces.” Just the good stuff.

And speaking of character—fun fact: I always thought Andi’s videos were just a flawless John Oliver impression. Nope. That’s his actual voice. Weird, right?

Anyway, I wish more magic books were this smart, this practical, and this well thought out. But then again, if they were, Andi wouldn’t look quite as special.
Gavin
Loving the book so far ! It really gives me a fresh lense on how i can do certain tricks and even evolve them and include them into my routine ! Thank you so much ! Love the video presentation to make learning so much easier !
ata
Cool
David
This is a book that is very present in my home. It doesn’t live in one of my magic boxes hidden away, it’s very much out there. It is a book that keeps on giving and one I keep returning too. I started off with Monty Python which I’ve added to my existing monte routine , and with Silent Movie which I performed in another country where they didn’t speak English and it went down a storm. Now I’m learning Perfect Order a great routine and Thought Experiment, worth the price. Did I mention the undo cut and shuffle. Wow. A beautiful book with great photos and slip case. Highly recommended. Having videos of all the routines was greatly appreciated. Congratulations Andi

Community questions about The Boy Who Cried Magic

Have a question about this product? It's possible others do too. Ask here and other Vanishing Inc. Magic customers will be able to respond with assistance! Alternatively, email us and we can help too.

  • Lucas asks: When do you have an ETA for the new stock?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:We currently do not have an estimated date for this

  • Lucas asks: When will a new stock arrive? I want the physical book not an ebook

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:We do not have an ETA at this time.

  • Barbara asks: Do the performance videos come as a link in the book like in parlour tricks? I bought it from penguin and I was wondering if I could access this. Thanks!

    • 1. Jim responds:No, as the videos are a reward for purchasing the book directly. You can contact customer service and ask for an exception to be made on your behalf.
    Post an answer to this question

  • iola asks: I want to buy this book but think I would benefit from it in the future when I have learned more skills. Is it likely that this book with still be available in a year or two or should I buy it now and save it on my bookcase?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:We hope so!

  • Richard asks: Just wondering if this is a new edition that corrects some of the errors (discrepancies between the descriptions and pictures) of the first edition.

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:This is the first edition.

  • Zee asks: Does The regular book comes with the book case?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Yes, the book comes with a slipcase.

  • George asks: OK this is going to be a strange question. Because it is not exactly about the product but the listing on vanishing inc. website. I have my birthday coming up and a few friends asked if there was anything Magic related that I was looking to buy that they might be able to get me as a gift. I’ve had my eye on this book for a while but due to lost income from pandemic, I have not bought it yet. I am currently creating up a wish list on your site to send to friends and cannot figure out how to add this item. I was able to add the deck of cards when they get back in stock. Hopefully somebody can help me. Thanks in advance. -George

    • 1. Jim responds:Try this link: https://www.vanishingincmagic.com/magic-books/the-boy-who-cried-magic/add-to-wishlist/
    • 2. George responds:Thank you Jim, that worked
    • 3. Marius responds:There is another way. You can add it to cart and then when you remove it from there, you are prompted with the option to add it to the wishlist.
    Post an answer to this question

  • Peter asks: Where can I find the performance videos for the routines?

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:In your account, assuming you bought it from us. If you bought it elsewhere, please email magic@vanishingincmagic.com and someone will take care of you.

  • Conn asks: I have the book but I don’t have access to the videos of the performances.

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:Write customer service about this.

  • Richard asks: On p. 49, image 4 is mirrored. Is there a reason for this, or is this an error? A bit confused on the explanation of the Double Reverse Cull and following along the images. Image 3 on p.48 is correct, image 4 is mirrored (look at the numbers on the cards, and ring on the finger), and image 5 is correct. Thank you in advance.

    • 1. Vanishing Inc. Magic responds:If you ignore the reversal of the image (sorry about that!), the image does show the correct placement of the cards and fingers. I hope that helps!

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