Learn the secrets of a FISM Champion!

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"Aurelio Paviato is a master of his craft. He takes classic effects and gives them a 21st century spin. Solid practical methods are concealed by a relaxed style; easy manner; and a keen eye for detail. This is superb material from the repertoire of one of Italy’s leading professionals." - David Britland

"Wow; what a delightful book. After reading the book it is obvious why Aurelio Paviato was the First place winner in close-up at FISM. Not only does he completely describe his FISM-winning act; i.e.; the "how" but also the "why." That's just the start; the rest of the book goes into his working repertoire from the past 40 years of performing close up; sleight-of-hand card and coin magic. Although the writing is excellent; there must be 500 photos to complement every detail to the routines and move." - Charlie Randall

"This wonderful book is a profound study of magic. It is a road map of masterly technique and presentation. Finished with a great update and treatment of the secrets of the 1982 Fism award winning act. A superb work of Aurelio Paviato and Stephen Minch. Bravo caballeros…" - Marcelo Insúa - Mr. Tango

Learn the secrets of a FISM Champion!

Aurelio Paviato is one of Italy's greatest magical thinkers & performers. In his decades-long career; Aurelio has not only taken home the top prize at FISM; but he has created & refined many sleights and routines.

A close friend of Arturo de Ascaio; Aurelio shares his magical thinking in the realms of card and coin magic with detailed information about a variety of passes; palms; sleeving; switches; steals; and beyond.

He also teaches the complete FISM routine that won him First Place in Close-Up Magic at the 1982 competition in Lausanne; Switzerland. Of course; he brings refinements that have been made to the routine over the years.

All of the details of a lifetime of magic are explored in over 240 pages of text; accompanied by copious photographs for clear learning.

Hardcover
9 x 8" Trim Size
242 pages


From Richard Hatch:

In reading Aurelio Paviato’s Studies in Deception; I was reminded of what Ottokar Fischer had written more than 100 years ago in his own book on the card magic of Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser:

“This work is not intended for dilettantes. But it will bring joy to experienced performers.”

Like Hofzinser; Aurelio Paviato melds intelligent presentations with superb sleight of hand.

40 years ago; in 1982; the FISM in Lausanne; Switzerland made history by having the first American Grand Prix winner; Lance Burton; with his outstanding card; candle and dove act and the first American first place in close up to Michael Ammar. Both Burton and Ammar used these historic victories as springboards to successful careers; for Burton in Las Vegas; and for Ammar internationally as a performer and teacher of sleight of hand. But what is often forgotten is that Michael did not win first place in close up outright. In fact; the competition ended in a rare tie; with two first place winners. The other one was Aurelio Paviato; the author of this book; who performed a superb close-up routine with coins. Aurelio went home to Milan and his job in a bank; but seven years later embraced his true calling as a magician and became and remains a successful full time professional performer in his native Italy; with regular appearances on television; a busy schedule of corporate engagements; and a one-man theater show. This book showcases what he has been doing for the last forty years: pieces from his professional repertoire with all the details and finesses that are the fruit of repeated performances. This is commercial; classical magic perfected by a professional.

Most of the routines are stand up card magic; but he also updates his first place FISM act; incorporating 40 years of thinking to make it more practical and magical. Originally it was designed to be performed as an opening routine. With his improvements; he now often closes his intimate performances with it.

Because the book was edited by Stephen Minch; it has a clarity of expression and historical credits that make it a pleasure to study.

“This work is not intended for dilettantes. But it will bring joy to experienced performers.”

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