Magic (Arts for Health)

Extraordinary feats of conjuring have long entertained and astounded audiences. Alternatively, few people realise that magic also has the power to beef up health and to support wellbeing. Sign up for magician, writer, and psychologist Richard Wiseman as he journeys into this secretive world and uncovers the surprising therapeutic and educational benefits of making the not possible conceivable.

Written for both performers and practitioners, this comprehensive but accessible guide describes the many ways in which watching and learning magic helps people. Discover how hospital magicians promote the recovery of patients, how occupational therapists teach tricks that boost movement and coordination, how counsellors conjure up life skills, and how illusions support curiosity and learning in the classroom. Along the way, Wiseman reveals probably the most amazing but simple tricks of the trade, presents key initiatives from world wide, explores academic research examining the efficacy of magic-based interventions, and interviews experienced practitioners carrying out this work.

The first publication of its kind, Magic is essential reading for anyone who wishes to keep in mind and utilise the real magic of magic.