The Performance of Close-Up Magic by Eugene Burger – Hardcover Book

Eugene Burger on the Performance of Close-Up Magic

The Performance of Close-Up Magic by Eugene Burger combines reflective essays with routines and practical thinking about presenting magic. This 134-page hardbound book invites you to look beyond the mechanics of an effect and examine what makes a performance engaging.

Burger describes the writings as a series of evocative essays intended to challenge readers, inspire practice and rehearsal, and improve their close-up performances. Read a chapter between practice sessions, then bring its questions about character, imagination and presentation back to your own material.

Performance Theory and Practical Material

The contents range from foundational questions about close-up magic to specific routines and handling discussions. A foreword by Channing Pollock introduces the book.

• Performance thinking: Groundwork, What Is Close-Up Magic?, The Main Road, A Question of Character and Performing for Magicians.
• Routines and techniques: The Bert Allerton Aspirin Tin Routine, The Pivot Vanish, Three-Card Monte As A Magical Entertainment and Rosini's Double Reverse.
• Atmospheric magic: The Animated Matchbox, Spirit Candle in the Bottle, Sylvia's Cards: An Excursion into Bizarre Magick and Negative Thought.
• The Haunted Pack, followed by questions and answers on the routine.
• Creative reflection: Daydreaming and Imagination, An Imaginary Conversation with Eugene Burger and A Final Examination.

Book Details

• Author: Eugene Burger.
• Format: physical hardcover book.
• Length: 134 pages.
• Focus: close-up magic, performance, character and presentation.

Choose this book when you want both material to study and ideas that encourage a more deliberate approach to rehearsal. It offers a way to revisit not just what you perform, but how you communicate the magic to your audience.