This book presents a twelve-step program for developing your own original magical effects. The first chapters discuss the traits and characteristics psychologists have identified in creative people. These characteristics should be developed to open your mind to the creative thinking process. Then the reader is introduced to twelve techniques for creating new ideas and for solving problems. These techniques have been used by business and industry since the 1950's. They are general in nature and can be applied to any field of endeavor. Using these techniques as a basis, twelve Magical Idea Generators are developed which apply specifically to magic. The author includes with each idea generator an original trick created by using that particular generator. Lastly, the author discusses the quality of your magical creations. Not all of your ideas will be good ones. Guidelines are provided for you to evaluate your creations and to help you improve your ideas.

The Anatomy of Misdirection is a complete guide for both amateur and professional magicians. Fifteen basic principles of misdirection are defined in the book. These principles are presented in an easy to read, conversational manner. The reader is guided step-by-step through each principle learning both how-to and when-to apply the various techniques. Many illustrations are included with each principle to demonstrate its use with a practical example. The 35th Anniversary Edition is a revised and updated edition of the book which was published in 1978. The book was widely acclaimed by the magic community and received accolades from around the world. This edition contains some new and updated material and illustrations.