High Level Magic by Simon is an ebook for performers who want to present close-up magic in unpredictable everyday environments. Its material uses leaves, coins, bottle caps, lighters, cigarettes and borrowed objects.

Magic beyond ideal conditions

The book focuses on situations where people are talking, moving around and only partially paying attention. Timing, awareness and restraint play a central role in presenting the effects.

Seven effects and routines

• Lollipop: A gum wrapper floats back to your hand, followed by a burst of fire and the appearance of a lollipop.
• High Leaves: Ordinary leaves travel between your hands and the spectator’s hands, multiply and vanish. The description specifies no gimmicks or special objects.
• Devil’s Cap: Locate a signed object hidden under one of several bottle caps. The description specifies no electronics, secret assistants or sleight of hand.
• Pickpocketing: A phone call reveals a selected card in a routine combining pickpocketing and mentalism.
• Smoked Coin: A coin vanishes in smoke and reappears under the spectator’s watch. The smoke comes from a cigarette or similar item in the environment.
• Vanishing Lighter & Cigarette: A lighter and cigarette vanish and reappear. A bonus version combines the vanishes with a flash of fire.
• Last Smoke (Rising Card): A selected card rises from a boxed deck held by the spectator. An extended version has the card disintegrate and reappear inside a cigarette.

Routines and flow

The routines and flow section explores the three layers of a routine: hook, build and closer. It also discusses the emotional arc of a performance and how to build your own routine with intention.

Three complete routines are included: I Tried Smoking Once, Nature’s Game and Sugar & Fire.

Attention, perception and timing

The book discusses directing attention, shaping perception, choosing when to act and adapting in real time when distractions occur. It also includes bonus routines, ideas and expansions.

Format and audience

Supplied as an ebook download. The material is intended for performers working at parties, in bars, on the street and in other informal settings. The publisher does not present it as a collection of easy beginner tricks.