In the vast archives of magic literature, there’s much written about tricks, the sleights and the techniques to accomplish them. There’s a handful of books on presentation and scripting. However there are not many that cover misdirection. There’s some chapters or articles here and there. Dariel Fitzkee, Roberto Giobbi, Tom Stone, Juan Tameriz, Tommy Wonder, and others have all written about it but with the exception of Fitzkee, their thoughts are part of a larger work.
There is a wonderful booklet that not many know about. It was originally a mimeograph in 1948 and then published in a small booklet by Magic Inc. in 1960. My copy is the second edition in 1971. It’s Don’t Look Now: The Smart Slant on Misdirection by Al Leech.
Al Leech is best known for his card work especially Red Hot Mama or the Chicago Opener. He was a native Chicagoan who made his living as a reporter working for United Press and then Newsweek. He authored six books of close up magic. He died at age 56 from emphysema – most likely a smoker.
Don’t Look Now is well written, succinct and to the point – exactly what one would expect from a journalist. In the 26 pages, Leech covers various aspects of misdirection – mental, visual, natural, negative, and time – with examples of both good and bad. I was pleased to see he discussed nerves and misdirection. His advice is spot on. He finishes with specific examples of sleights and the application of misdirection.
At the beginning of the book, Leech makes a surprising recommendation. He advises all magicians read Dale Carnegie’s How Win Friends and Influence People. His point being that one of the best misdirections is that people like you. We magicians can be a bit socially awkward and a little overbearing sometimes. The skillful application of Carnegie’s work may help.
You may have noticed that I really enjoyed this booklet. I do and believe that you will too. It’s one that I will return to time and time again.
Copies can be found in the second hand market, digitally from Lybrary.com, and at Magic Inc. in the collection, The Complete Al Leech. Unfortunately they are sold out of the original booklet. Carnegie’s book remains in print and available digitally.
