A marvelous manuscript of meaningless meanderings on the matter of making magic more meaningful .

And, it's fun to read as well. The only magic book we've seen with footnotes. Master Payne has an amusing and engaging writing style. Which he uses to impart the skills one needs in the creation of theme specific shows. Which he refers to as Thematic Thaumaturgy --the performance and presentation of character driven magic.
In this book Master Payne teaches by example. He uses routines from many of his shows and demonstrates how, why and what he changed to make these standard magic effects fit into various themes. There is a mediaeval presentation for Tenyo's What's Next?. As well as period style presentations for the Die Box and the Chinese Sticks that will appeal to Ren Faire workers. Also included is an outstanding version of the Orange Rice Checkers as well as a Multiplying Bottle routine that David Acer has deemed the second best presentation of the effect that he has seen. Also one should not miss Master Payne's signature effect The DaVinci Code Card Trick.
In all of these examples Master Payne shares the entire script as this is one of the pivotal ingredients for creating a great themed show.
Master Payne shares his creativity matrix. A series of questions he asks himself whenever creating a new routine:
WHO are you?
WHAT are you doing?
WHY are you doing it?
WHERE will you be doing it?
WHEN will you be doing it?
HOW will you accomplish all of the preceding?
The last 30 pages or is a collection of bonus effects. Yet more insight into his offbeat thinking and still more examples of how to create unique and personalized effects.

1st edition 2006; 102 pages.