Spellbound: Master the Seven Principles of Illusion to Gain Influence, Captivate Audiences, and Unlock the Secrets of Success

by David Kwong

A professional magician and illusionist—the head magic consultant for the hit film Now You See Me —reveals how to bridge the gap between perception and reality to increase your powers of persuasion and influence. David Kwong has astounded corporate CEOs, TED talk audiences, and thousands of other hyper-rational people, making them see, believe, and even remember what he wants them to. Illusion is an ancient art that centers on commanding a room, building anticipation, and appearing to work wonders. Illusion works because the human brain is wired to fill the gap between seeing and believing. Successful leaders—like Steve Jobs, Warren Buffett, and Ted Turner—are masters of control and command who understand how to sway opinions and achieve goals. In his years of research and practice, David has discovered seven fundamental principles of illusion. With these rules anyone can learn With Spellbound you’ll discover a different way to sell your idea, product, or skills, and make your best shot better than everyone else’s.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Psychology, Magic, Communication

272 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 2015

Reviews

[Stephen Nolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

David conjures up not just the principles of magic, but the very things that make us awestruck. A fantastic primer for having more amazement in your personal and professional life.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look behind the scenes at how illusionists think--not their tricks per se, but the principles of how people think that drive their tricks. The explanation of the principles behind illusion are brilliantly written. The application to the rest of life and work is sometimes clear and sometimes foggy. But it's a fun read with unique and potent ideas.

[Yoric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how to explain it, but I find illusion and magic fascinating.
Isn't it surprising to reveal the difference between reality and what we perceive?
We are not aware of this gap in our everyday's life, just like we get trapped into the illusion of a Magic trick.
It's fascinating to see the world from a different perspective and in a more creative way.

[Alex Salo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and easy book that blends the principles from magic with those from psychology and business. The book is full of interesting facts, memos, stories and research findings, as well as pointers on where to start with magic.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its so hard for me to come up with an opinion on a book. I cant find the words to type. I enjoyed learning about how a magician thinks and learning about the magicians he wrote about in the book.

[Nakul Shenoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it. Interesting connections drawn to magic and other things in life - especially life.

[John Licardi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to read this book because I’m going to see David Kwong at a conference and wanted to be prepared.

After reading, I understand you just can’t prepare. Every direction has a misdirection, ever mistake has a correction, ever slight of hand has a solution.

What tied it all together was applying all this to the business world. Kwong breaks it down into 7 key principles and how you apply and follow will be up to you.

Enjoy.

[Tobias Beckwith]

Just finished this. Loved it! Going back again to make some notes.
Kwong writes well, and his subject is my subject: How can the principles we use in performing magic apply to other disciplines. He has wonderful stories, and some deep thought about how human beings process their illusions.

[Dan Winston · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tactics of magicians and illusionists can provide some helpful and memorable tips for professional communications. But in my view, there are other books that will be more helpful to aspiring leaders and salespeople.

[Rosey Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but then he got real racist in it and it left a sour taste in my mouth. Interesting stuff about magic, but like... maybe don't be gross and stereotype people?

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like random historical anecdotes, and this book has a lot of them!

[Nikhil Kumble · Rating 3 out of 5]

He has got some interesting ideas on how to influence people from his experience as a magician.
But he is not able to express any of them consistently throughout the chapters. You lose track of the flow very soon and have to keep asking yourself where did he start and where is he now.

[Grace Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favorite books. David is an amazing magician, completely captivating. I loved this book. I highly recommend Spellbound to anyone interested in magic and illusions. I also highly recommend attending one of David's shows if you get a chance.