Synthesis and Secrets: A Magic Book in Four Acts | Michael Kras

Michael Kras is one of Canada's most intriguing young magicians and theatre artists, and Synthesis & Secrets is his debut book featuring 20 close-up effects lavishly illustrated by Sara Froese, plus 9 short essays on the synthesis of magic and theatre.

The tricks and techniques are a perfect representation of Michael's creative style: punchy, uncluttered, and economical pieces of sleight of hand that are practical and not terribly difficult to do.

The first section is a comprehensive treatise on his famous Kras Change: a clever and versatile move that functions as an eye-popping visual change or subtle switch of a playing card. Used by magicians all over the world, this practical move and its applications - including transpositions, inversions, and transformations - have never been covered in such detail.

The second section - A Debt to Paul Harris - features material inspired by an icon of creative close-up magic. Visual card and coin effects serve as thoughtful variations of Harris classics or are simply inspired by his out-of-the-box thinking.

After that are the Assortments: more card and coin effects that offer inventive wrinkles or approaches to classics like the sandwich plot, the light & heavy coin effect, and the asymmetric transposition.

Finally, there are the Essays: brief bits of writing that draw thoughtful parallels between the worlds of magic and theatre. An acclaimed playwright, director, and performer, Michael makes a case for how theatre techniques and training can make your magic stronger. He also offers his thoughts on crafting and directing magic effects for theatre productions, inspired by his varied career as a magic designer which includes serving on the illusions & magic team for the worldwide stage sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Lovers of practical, visual close-up magic and performance theory won't want to miss out on this limited release hardcover volume that will look beautiful on your shelf!