Trade of the Tricks

“Anthropology has always traded on a cachet of romance and exoticism in attracting students, but even I—grizzled veteran that I am—found myself thinking ‘how very cool to be hanging out with magicians in Paris!’. There is certainly nothing like this book in the anthropological literature. It is fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable.” —Richard Bauman, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Indiana University, Bloomington “A witty, learned, engaging trip through the world of French magic, Trade of the Tricks builds intriguing ideas on the deep knowledge that comes from prolonged, intensive observation.” —Howard Becker, author of Art Worlds and Outsiders