Studies in Deception by Aurelio Paviato

“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.

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.”