German magician Wittus Witt has a new book out called Structures of Wonder: The new Handbook of Magic. The book (which Witt wrote in English, with editorial support from James Hagy) doesn’t delve into methods or techniques, but focuses instead on what makes magic so wondrous. “Every serious magician eventually reaches a point where learning another trick is less important than understanding the art itself,” Witt told us. “Structures of Wonder is written for that moment. It challenges familiar assumptions, offers fresh perspectives, and encourages readers to think more deeply about what distinguishes a puzzle from a magical experience.”
The book’s 200-plus pages include full color illustrations and mini-biographies of notable magicians, from Robert-Houdin and Hofzinser to the Ehrlich Brothers. It also answers several questions about the art form: Why does an impossible event astonish us? What roles do perception, psychology, presentation, and storytelling play? How did conjuring evolve from ancient demonstrations of wonder into a sophisticated performing art with its own history, personalities, institutions, and traditions?
Those interested in Structures of Wonder, which costs €32.50, plus €8 for postage, can email Witt at abc@magische-welt.com.
Images courtesy of Wittus Witt