Never mind the nonsense

A unique book blending magic, humour, and punk.

This book traces the incredible journey of Étienne Pradier, a French conjurer who became a benchmark in England, even performing for the royal family. Between fascinating anecdotes, practical advice, and routines tested under real conditions, he shares his expertise with humour and sincerity. An inspiring and essential work for all who wish to discover magic from a new perspective, combining technique, psychology, and performance!

Cards, coins, and ropes.

This new book by Étienne Pradier promises to be an essential work for magic enthusiasts, as well as for professionals seeking new ideas and inspiration. This volume, reflecting all the boldness and creativity of the French conjurer, will focus on his favourite field: card magic. Indeed, most of the routines presented will centre around card tricks, each effect more surprising and clever than the last. Being a true master in this field, Étienne shares here his most effective techniques, while offering readers the chance to learn routines he has perfected over the years through countless performances.

In addition to the card routines, the book will also reveal a splendid coin matrix routine where Étienne adds his own touch, turning this classic routine into a unique, visual, and captivating moment of magic. Furthermore, readers will discover a rope routine that holds a special place in the artist’s heart. It is indeed one of his favourite routines, often performed during shows and never failing to elicit reactions from the audience with a lively and humorous presentation.

Punks not dead.

One of the most striking aspects of this work is the choice of theme: Punk. Inspired by the raw and rebellious energy of the Sex Pistols, Étienne Pradier wanted to infuse this anarchic and revolutionary spirit into his approach to magic. The book is a true fusion between the world of Punk and the art of illusion, blending a provocative attitude with boundless creativity. Through these pages, the reader is invited to explore not only tricks but also a genuine philosophy of performance. The illustrations, descriptions, and even the overall atmosphere of the book will reflect this Punk influence, paying tribute to a time when rules were made to be broken.

This book is not merely a collection of routines. It is an invitation to adopt a new way of thinking about magic, to push creative boundaries, and to dare to stray from the beaten path. For all those seeking to refresh their repertoire or simply to soak up the overflowing energy of one of the most daring conjurers of his generation, this work promises to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration.

Foreword

Introduction

About the Sex Pistols

Watch gonna do about it: a simple and impromptu CAAN with a borrowed deck.

God save the Queens: a magical triangle where the 4 Queens will successively swap places with the Joker and the spectator’s card.

Anarchy in the UK: here is a lively routine where three chosen cards will visually reappear face up and the deck will vanish.

Impossible: an impossible routine that will astonish all spectators and especially conjurers…

Pretty vacant: the conjurer will mistakenly name the wrong card three times in a row, but in the end the spectator’s card will be in the conjurer’s pocket and the three cards will have, written on their backs, the spectator’s card.

Liar: the conjurer predicts a word chosen in a book by the spectator and also finds their card.

Problems: a technique that allows a chosen card to be turned over in a deck by a spectator.

No future: a coin matrix with 2 cards and a baffling ending. 

No feelings: Étienne’s favourite rope routine on stage, which is visual, funny, and lively.

I want to be me: after exchanging a card twice each with the spectator, the four cards revealed at the end turn out to be Aces.

Fantastic 4: a lively routine by Eric LEBLON where 4 signed cards travel to 4 different places and the entire deck disappears then reappears with a surprising ending.

How to f**k your magician friends: here you will find, continuing the Punk theme of the book, a list of pranks to play on your conjurer friends when performing with them. 

Stiff Little Fingers: a highly visual fivefold card change by Josh KING. 

Conclusion

Acknowledgements 

• A book full of humour and sincerity.

• Routines tested and approved over the years.

• A journey full of inspiration with valuable advice for conjurers.